Any hopes midfielder Elliot Anderson may have of sealing a move to Manchester City appear to have been dealt a major blow, with reports suggesting that the Premier League champions are prepared to withdraw from negotiations over disagreements surrounding the structure of the proposed transfer.

Should the deal go through, Anderson would become the most expensive English player in history. However, Nottingham Forest are reportedly insistent on a payment arrangement that better suits their financial strategy, rather than one heavily reliant on performance-based add-ons.

According to a report from The Mirror, Manchester City's latest offer includes a guaranteed payment of £100 million, with an additional £20 million to be paid in potential bonuses. The Guardian, however, presents a slightly different figure, claiming the proposed package totals £106 million upfront and £16 million in add-ons.

Despite these substantial figures, Nottingham Forest’s owner Evangelos Marinakis is said to be adamant that the entire fee must be paid outright. He reportedly believes that if Newcastle United were able to sell Alexander Isak to Liverpool for £125 million last summer, then Anderson should command a similar valuation.

This difference in valuation could now lead to a deadlock, with Marinakis and Manchester City chairman Khaldoon Al-Mubarak standing firm on their respective positions. It is believed that Al-Mubarak is willing to walk away from the deal rather than agree to terms he considers inflated.

Manchester City are eager to strengthen their midfield following the departure of Bernardo Silva, and Anderson’s technical versatility and ability from set pieces have made him an appealing target. However, The Mirror reports that City’s management view the 23-year-old, who came through Newcastle United’s youth ranks, as a player who has yet to fully establish himself at the top level, justifying their proposed performance-based structure.

Anderson enjoyed an impressive individual campaign last season, standing out in an otherwise disappointing Nottingham Forest side. His performances have also earned him a place in England’s World Cup squad, where he is expected to play a pivotal role alongside Declan Rice in midfield.

Speaking about Anderson’s focus amid the transfer speculation, England head coach Thomas Tuchel said, “Elliot doesn’t seem distracted. I didn’t speak to him directly, but my assistant coach did. This situation should motivate him — it’s a reflection of his progress and the level he can reach. Right now, it appears to be giving him an extra push.”

The Three Lions will begin their World Cup campaign on Wednesday when they face Croatia in their opening Group L fixture.