Manchester City are continuing negotiations for Elliot Anderson despite having an opening offer rejected.

Daily Mail Sport first revealed City’s plan to sign Anderson in November and the England international is ready to join them ahead of rivals Manchester United.

The main obstacle remains Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis who has been reluctant to let his best players leave this window and would want a figure in excess of £100million.

Anderson, who has three years left on contract, is with England’s squad at a training camp in Florida preparing for the World Cup and is set to play a key role for Thomas Tuchel’s side.

The 23-year-old joined Forest from Newcastle United in a £35m deal which also included goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos going the other way. He has gone on to make 92 appearances for the club, including 50 in all competitions this season.

City, ideally, wanted to find agreement before the tournament kicks off.

Manchester City’s first offer for Nottingham Forest star Elliot Anderson has been rejected

City are in the throes of change with Enzo Maresca arriving as coach to succeed Pep Guardiola pending discussions over compensation with Chelsea.

Anderson is key to Maresca’s plans and they want further additions after the departures of Bernardo Silva and John Stones.

Tottenham are also in talks for City winger Savinho, as revealed by Daily Mail Sport last month.