Nottingham Forest have been in negotiations to sign a “sensational” star, who is represented by the same agent as Vitor Pereira.

Chris Wood speaks out on Elliot Anderson’s future at the City Ground

England continued their preparations for the World Cup on Saturday night, scraping past New Zealand 1-0, in what was a drab affair in Florida, but Chris Wood was left impressed by Forest teammate Elliot Anderson‘s performance.

The striker also express hope Anderson will remain at the City Ground beyond the summer, saying: “It’ll be fantastic if he does [stay], he’s a Forest player still and we want to keep him. What will be, will be. There are higher powers at play.

“He’s outstanding, it showed [tonight]. It was nice to play up against him for the first time and understand what he does. Some of those cutting balls were fantastic.”

However, the Tricky Trees could have their work cut out when it comes to trying to keep hold of their prized asset, with the likes of Manchester United, Manchester City and Arsenal all in the race for his signature.

As such, Pereira’s side have now stepped up their pursuit of a new central midfielder.

Forest hold talks to sign “sensational” midfielder

According to a report from TEAMtalk, Nottingham Forest have now held talks to sign Barcelona midfielder Marc Casado, who rakes in £20,000 a week at the Camp Nou, but they are facing competition in the race for his signature.

A plethora of rival Premier League clubs have also entered negotiations to sign the two-cap Spain international, including Manchester United, while Ligue 1 side AS Monaco are also pushing to get a deal over the line.

Hansi Flick is looking to reshape his Barca squad in the upcoming transfer window, and Casado, who has the same agent as Pereira, could be one of the first sales, having only played a limited role in the La Liga triumph last season.

The Spaniard, who predominantly featured in a defensive midfield role, failed to make it off the bench in 14 La Liga matches, and started on just 10 occasions, but he has impressed in a Barcelona shirt in the past.

In a post on X during the 2024-25 season, podcaster Neal Gardner said: “Casado is here to stay, and I couldn’t be more sure of it. He’s been tasked at arguably the hardest role in the squad, and he hasn’t just passed it, he’s aced it. As good a breakthrough season as you’ll see, sensational footballer.”

That said, Anderson outperformed Casado across a number of key metrics for midfielders last season, which underlines the importance of keeping hold of the England international.

Average per 90 (league)

Elliot Anderson

Marc Casado

Tackles

2.8

1.7

Goals

0.11

0

Successful dribbles per 90

1.3

0.2

Interceptions

1.1

0.6

Recoveries

8.3

3.8

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The Tricky Trees finished 25/26 strongly after a whirlwind campaign.