Manchester City have agreed a deal with Nottingham Forest to sign England midfielder Elliot Anderson in what is expected to be a club-record transfer.

The fee for the 23-year-old is understood to surpass the £100m City paid for Jack Grealish, underlining how highly Anderson is valued inside the Etihad hierarchy. The move would make him one of the most expensive British footballers of all time and the centrepiece of City’s latest squad evolution.

Forest have granted Anderson permission to undergo a medical, though the timing remains under discussion. The midfielder is currently in the United States with England at the World Cup, having started both of their group matches and established himself as a key figure in Thomas Tuchel’s midfield.

With England preparing to face Panama in their final Group L fixture, all parties are working to ensure the medical and final formalities do not disrupt the national team’s preparations. Personal terms are not expected to be an obstacle, with Anderson understood to be keen on the move and City prepared to reward him with a long-term contract.

City’s agreement comes after an initial offer earlier in the month was rejected by Forest, who were under no pressure to sell. Anderson is contracted to the Midlands club until 2029 and has been their standout performer since arriving from Newcastle in 2024.

Last season he emerged as one of the Premier League’s most complete central midfielders, combining relentless work rate with press resistance, progressive passing and a growing goal threat. His rise has placed him among a select group of elite midfielders attracting interest this summer, alongside the likes of Sandro Tonali, Adam Wharton and Carlos Baleba.

Tuchel has been effusive in his praise, describing Anderson during England’s preparation camp as “the full package” and insisting transfer speculation has not affected his performances. Inside City, there is a belief that his versatility and tactical intelligence make him an ideal fit for their possession-dominant style.

Forest, meanwhile, are already planning for life after their talisman. They intend to recruit two central midfielders if the deal is completed, with interest in Tottenham’s Lucas Bergvall, Inter Milan’s Davide Frattesi and Celtic’s Arne Engels as they attempt to rebuild the heart of their team.