Elliot Anderson Transfer: Nottingham Forest Owner Leads Negotiations Amid Potential July Delay

Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis is personally overseeing negotiations with Manchester City regarding the potential transfer of midfielder Elliot Anderson. This direct involvement means other senior figures at the City Ground, including manager Vitor Pereira, have reportedly been kept out of transfer discussions. The deal could potentially set a new British transfer record.

Manchester City recently submitted a second bid for Anderson, valued at £106 million upfront plus £15 million in bonuses, bringing the total offer to £121 million. Marinakis reportedly found this proposal unacceptable, with Nottingham Forest pushing for a total package in the region of £130 million, which would include an upfront payment of £110 million and £20 million in add-ons.

A further complication in the transfer saga involves the timing of the deal's formal completion. Nottingham Forest is understood to prefer delaying the formalization of any agreement until July. This preference is attributed to financial year reasons, aiming to book the transfer in the next accounting period rather than the current one. This could push back the official transfer date, regardless of when personal terms or a fee are agreed upon between the clubs.

Despite the ongoing fee dispute, Manchester City remains confident in securing the 23-year-old midfielder. Anderson has reportedly received permission to undergo a medical examination. Manchester United previously withdrew from the race for Anderson earlier this week, leaving City as the sole club actively pursuing the player. Incoming Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca is reportedly keen to have Anderson in place as pre-season preparations are set to begin in July.

Marinakis's hands-on approach to transfer business is consistent with his management style since Nottingham Forest's promotion to the Premier League in 2022.

(Source: Yahoo Sports Soccer)