Nottingham Forest play 'dangerous game' with repsonse to Man City's new Elliot Anderson bid

Evangelos Marinakis is "crazy" for knocking back Manchester City's second bid for Nottingham Forest superstar Elliot Anderson.

That is according to former Manchester City financial adviser Stefan Borson, who exclusively told Football Insider that he is "shocked" by the latest update emerging from the City Ground.

The Citizens have now seen a total package of £120million rejected for the star midfielder, with Forest's owner holding out for a basic fee of £130million if he is to be sold.

Much like any footballer during a summer tournament, there is a concern that Anderson could pick up a long-term injury, while Borson has even raised the idea of City pulling out of the deal.

Currently away with the England national team, focusing on the 2026 World Cup, the Reds' No.8 is focusing fully on the tournament, with his future in the hands of others right now.

It is likely just a matter of time before yet another bid is submitted for the 23-year-old, and with Manchester United believed to be ruled out of the race, it is just a straight shot with Man City this summer.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, while he still believes that a deal will be done, Borson cannot wrap his head around Marinakis' latest decision.

"I think it's going to happen. I'm very shocked about the level of the fee. I'm very shocked that City are prepared to pay it," he said.

"I'm very shocked that Forest have rejected £120m. I think they're playing a dangerous game. Who knows what can happen? The player can get injured.

"Or City can, while I think it's unlikely City changed their mind, but they can definitely just say, 'No more. We'll pay £120m, and if you don't accept by a certain date then we'll go and look elsewhere'.

"Obviously, [Evangelos] Marinakis is prepared to take that risk. I think he's crazy but then, I don't run a football club so, who am I to say?

"But I don't see how you turn down £120m for anybody, frankly."

Although Marinakis is clearly holding out for a lot of money, Man City have the calibre of player available to potentially create a player-swap deal.

Having already signed James McAtee from the Etihad Stadium, Forest were also interested in Rico Lewis last summer, though a deal never came to fruition.

The 21-year-old's career now appears to have stalled in Manchester, making just four Premier League starts during the entire 2025-26 campaign.

Offering him in the deal for Anderson could be a sensible choice, though it remains to be seen what City's transfer plans are without Enzo Maresca officially announced as the next manager.