Nottingham Forest manager Sean Dyche has moved to cool the growing speculation surrounding midfielder Elliott Anderson, whose name has unexpectedly surged into the transfer rumour mill amid claims of a staggering £100 million valuation. In recent weeks, Anderson has been loosely linked with interest from several top Premier League clubs, including Manchester United, after a series of confident performances and steady progression in Forest’s midfield. While the talk has generated buzz among supporters and pundits, Dyche has taken a measured approach, insisting that the 22-year-old’s focus remains firmly on his football at the City Ground.
Speaking during his pre-match press conference, Dyche dismissed the noise as “purely external chatter,” emphasising that Anderson is still in the early stages of his development under his management. He explained that rumours of such a high valuation are largely speculative and do not reflect any internal discussions or assessments within the club. According to Dyche, the midfielder is a hardworking, grounded young professional who is completely committed to earning his place in the side, rather than getting caught up in transfer talk.
Dyche praised Anderson’s attitude, noting that his willingness to learn and consistency in training have been key to his slow-but-steady growth since arriving at Forest. The manager made it clear that he values the midfielder’s versatility, energy, and ball-winning instincts, but also stressed that expectations should remain realistic. For Dyche, the priority is ensuring Anderson continues to mature in a stable environment, without undue pressure or distractions created by media speculation.
The links to Manchester United, while predictable given the club’s reputation for monitoring young British talent, were also played down by Dyche. He stated that Forest have received no formal contact from any club and reiterated that the player is not for sale. More importantly, he highlighted that Anderson is part of Forest’s long-term plan as they aim to strengthen their squad structure and maintain competitiveness in the Premier League.
For supporters, Dyche’s comments provide clarity at a time when rumours can easily spiral into unnecessary worry. While transfer speculation is inevitable for any promising young player, Forest appear determined to protect Anderson’s development and maintain internal stability. Ultimately, Dyche’s message was simple: Elliott Anderson is focused, improving, and very much a Nottingham Forest player — and all talk of £100 million valuations belongs firmly outside the club walls.
