Nottingham Forest and Fulham could now be set to battle it out for a “tremendous” player, and his current club may be prepared to cash-in.
Forest eyeing midfielder with Anderson’s future in doubt
Elliot Anderson will be fully focussed on having a successful World Cup with England, where he is expected to partner Declan Rice in central midfield, but the speculation surrounding his Forest future continues to rumble on in the background.
The two Manchester clubs remain keen on signing the 23-year-old, with reporter Alex Crook revealing City could be set to make a new bid soon.
With Anderson’s future seemingly in major doubt, the Tricky Trees are continuing to scour the market for a new midfielder, and talks have been held regarding a deal for FC Barcelona star Marc Casado.
Fulham, on the other hand, are keen on bolstering their midfield with the signing of Middlesbrough captain Hayden Hackney, although their first priority may be appointing a new manager, following Marco Silva’s departure to Benfica.
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Forest and Fulham vying to sign “tremendous” midfielder
According to a report from Sky Sports, Nottingham Forest and Fulham are both in the race to sign Celtic midfielder Arne Engels, with Anderson’s potential departure exacerbating the need for Vitor Pereira to improve his options in the middle of the park.
The Tricky Trees had a £25m bid for Engels knocked back during the January transfer window, but they remain keen on securing his signature, and there is a feeling Celtic owner Dermot Desmond is now prepared to sanction a move so a deal is more possible this time around.
Sunderland have also set their sights on the 22-year-old, who has been lauded by Callum McGregor, with his teammate saying: “Maybe people unfairly judge him based on the price tag, but I think he’s a tremendous player who plays with a big heart and big energy and will always get better because he has the right attitude.
The four-cap Belgium international has now spent two full seasons at Celtic, where he has regularly displayed his ability on the front foot, registering 17 goals and 21 assists in 98 appearances.
Journalist Josh Bunting has also heaped praise on the player: “Arne Engels had a very good season at Celtic last term. A key point in them winning the double. Think he is due a Premier League move and Nottingham Forest wanted him in January. Would fit (Regis) Le Bris style of play and what he wants to do. Smart both offensively and defensively.”
As such, the Celtic star is evidently a well-rounded midfielder, who could be a solid replacement for Anderson.
Read next: Elliot Anderson to Man City update
Nottingham Forest: What Man City are now prepared to pay for Elliot Anderson
The Tricky Trees could be quids in.
