Newcastle midfielder Elliot Anderson will undergo a medical at Nottingham Forest today.
The 21-year-old is set to swap St. James’ Park for City Ground. The deal is said to be worth around £30 million.
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The young player was part of Newcastle’s first team for two seasons following a successful loan to Bristol Rovers in the 2021/22 season.
Last season, Anderson played 21 times in the Premier League and also appeared twice in the Champions League.
The first goal came in a 0-0 draw at the San Siro against AC Milan, the second in the Magpies’ famous 4-1 win over Paris Saint-Germain.
Anderson probably would have played more often, but he missed the middle part of the season due to a back injury.
The English-born Scottish youth international is a product of the famous Wallsend Boys Club, which also produced Alan Shearer, Steve Bruce and Michael Carrick.
He rose to prominence as an up-and-coming talent during his loan spell at Bristol Rovers, where he helped the club to third place and promotion to League One.
After a 1-0 win against Colchester this season, manager Joey Barton even compared him to one of the greats of football.
“I’ve been listening to Bill Shankley’s tapes a lot today,” he told BristolLive. “He talked a lot about 19-year-old Diego Maradona and how he slows down in the box, just like Elliot Anderson. (He’s) so talented.”
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“Elliot has been brilliant for us from the first day we signed him. I would have paid to see him tonight – he was that good. He is growing into his shirt and his goal crowned an outstanding performance.”
Even at the end of last season, Eddie Howe had high praise for Anderson, despite a difficult season.
He said: “Elliot came through the academy here. When I first came to the club we were aware of him and his talents. He has really worked on all aspects of the game and I think he has been really reliable for us.
No matter what position I put him in, he did his job very well. Tactically, I asked him to do a few things that the team needed and he did them very well. I’m really happy with his maturity and tactical understanding.”
Meanwhile, there is still a possibility that Newcastle will sell Callum Wilson as there is strong interest from Saudi Arabia.
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