Elliot Anderson's Man City setback as Liverpool's rival prepares to announce transfer
Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version from Liverpool.com or go back to LFC Live.
Liverpool FC NewsFeaturesManchester City FCElliot Anderson is reportedly set to join Manchester City from Nottingham Forest in a British record £116m transfer, but the midfielder may face a setback over his preferred shirt numberElliot Anderson is poised to join Manchester City in a record-breaking deal(Image: Getty)Elliot Anderson will not get everything he desires upon completing his record-shattering transfer to the Etihad Stadium. Liverpool, meanwhile, has been urged to sign a midfielder labeled 'better' than Anderson.Anderson, who is currently on duty with England at the World Cup, has established himself as one of the Premier League's most sought-after midfielders in recent campaigns.
His departure from Forest this summer had been widely anticipated, and City have wasted no time in securing his signature.A medical is scheduled to take place in New York on Friday, with the deal still subject to the finalisation of personal terms.Anderson will almost certainly enjoy a substantial pay rise, yet he will need to make concessions in certain areas once his move is confirmed, reports the Express.This is because his favoured shirt number is already spoken for. He typically dons the No 8 at both club and international level, however it is currently held by Mateo Kovacic.Manchester City will have a new-look midfield led by Elliot Anderson next season(Image: Getty)As a result, Anderson will be required to settle on a different number when he officially becomes a City player ahead of the forthcoming season.
One possible alternative could be the No 12, which has remained unoccupied since Angelino's departure from the club in 2020.The midfielder could also take on the No 17, a number made legendary during Kevin De Bruyne's tenure at the club, while No.18 and No.19 are similarly available.Anderson has made 92 appearances for Forest, featuring in every league match throughout the 2025/26 campaign, contributing four goals and four assists along the way.Having made his England debut in September, he has started both of his nation's World Cup fixtures against Croatia and Ghana. The midfielder looks set to retain his place in the starting XI when the Three Lions take on Panama on Saturday.City saw an opening bid in excess of £100m rebuffed by Forest before ultimately reaching an agreement, with personal terms anticipated to present little difficulty.The Manchester club will be eager for Anderson to make an immediate impact next season as they bid to unseat Arsenal from the summit of the Premier League table.Choose Liverpool.com as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.Manchester City FC