Nottingham Forest have turned down an opening offer from Manchester City for midfielder Elliot Anderson, according to sources who spoke to ESPN.

City made the first move to secure Anderson's signature, but Forest rebuffed the approach — signalling that the East Midlands club value the player well above what was put on the table.

Anderson has been a key figure at Forest since joining from Newcastle United, and the club appear determined to hold firm rather than allow a rival club to take him on the cheap.

No further details on the fee involved have been disclosed, but the rejection suggests negotiations, if they continue, will require a significantly improved offer from City before any deal can progress.