Manchester City have had an opening bid for midfielder Elliot Anderson rejected by Nottingham Forest, but the club remains confident of securing the England international's signature. BBC Sport reported last week that the 23-year-old is leaning towards a move to Etihad Stadium over Manchester United. There is a growing expectation that Anderson will leave the City Ground this summer and City have now formalised interest with their first bid rebuffed, as reported by The Athletic. Anderson enjoyed a stellar season with Forest and has been selected in Thomas Tuchel's England squad for the World Cup. A potential fee for Anderson could be a record for a British player and eclipse the £105m Arsenal paid West Ham for Declan Rice in 2023. City have long been admirers of Newcastle academy graduate Anderson and are looking to bolster their midfield following Captain Bernardo Silva's exit. Anderson tops the list of potential targets, with Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali also highly rated by City. Nico Gonzalez, who missed out on a place in the Spain squad for the World Cup and also fell out of favour under Pep Guardiola last season, may depart if the right offer comes in. City are also looking to sign a right-back to supplement Matheus Nunes, 28, who excelled in the position this season after being converted from midfield. The club are eyeing the profile of a young full-back and one who is a natural in that position that can grow into the role in the future.