Nottingham Forest are preparing for a major change in midfield as Elliot Anderson closes in on a record-breaking move to Man City.
The England international has emerged as one of the biggest transfer stories of the summer after an outstanding campaign at the City Ground.
City have now agreed a deal worth £116 million with Forest, with Anderson expected to complete his medical at the World Cup with England.
The transfer will represent the biggest sale in Forest’s history and the highest fee ever paid for a British player, not to mention a club-record signing for the Sky Blues.
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Anderson has developed into one of the Premier League’s most complete midfielders since joining Forest from Newcastle United in 2024.
The 23-year-old has made 92 appearances for the Reds, scoring six goals and providing 11 assists in all competitions.
He played a leading role as Forest secured a seventh-place Premier League finish under Nuno before reaching the Europa League semi-finals under Vitor Pereira the following season.
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The Tricky Trees could sign him for an affordable fee.
His performances also earned him a regular place in the England squad.
Anderson started both of England’s opening World Cup group matches, completing the full 90 minutes in the 4-2 victory over Croatia before helping his side keep a clean sheet in the goalless draw against Ghana.
His energy, ball-carrying ability and composure in possession made him one of the most sought-after midfielders in Europe.
United also explored a move earlier in the window before City accelerated negotiations and reached an agreement with Forest.
The substantial transfer fee now gives Forest significant spending power as they prepare for life without one of their standout performers, but replacing Anderson will not be straightforward.
However, one Championship midfielder is a leading candidate.
Nottingham Forest eyeing Hayden Hackney to replace Elliot Anderson
According to Sky Sports, Forest are eyeing Hayden Hackney as a potential replacement for the England international after City’s move gathered pace.
Their report states Middlesbrough’s star has emerged as one of the club’s preferred midfield options, alongside the likes of Lucas Bergvall and Davide Frattesi.
Hackney has already made well over 150 senior appearances for Boro despite still being in the early stages of his career, and has become one of the first names on the teamsheet at the Riverside Stadium thanks to his consistency and maturity.
Everton also had bids rejected for Hackney earlier in the window, with the race now wide open for his signature.
Why Forest want to sign Hackney from Middlesbrough
Hackney has enjoyed another impressive season on Teesside.
The 23-year-old established himself as one of the division’s best midfielders after producing a series of influential displays throughout the campaign.
Hackney contributed six goals and eight assists in all competitions while also ranking among Boro’s leading players for progressive passes and chances created from central midfield.
One of his standout performances came in Boro’s 2-1 victory over Derby County, where he provided two assists to control the game from midfield after being given the captain’s armband.
He also found the net for crucial winners against Norwich and Birmingham during Boro’s promotion push, with Hackney also winning the Championship’s Player of the Season award.
Hackney’s consistency earned widespread recognition across the second tier.
His passing range, work rate and ability to dictate possession have attracted interest from several Premier League clubs, and Forest have monitored the ‘top player‘ for months.
Now, Anderson’s departure appears set to accelerate that interest.
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He’d be a stellar signing for the Tricky Trees.
