The perfect Elliott Anderson replacement Nottingham Forest could sign if major transfer goes through

Nottingham Forest turned to Sean Dyche as their manager earlier this season after parting company with Ange Postecoglou. The former Burnley and Everton man took some time out of the game after cutting ties with the latter in the last campaign. He took a break to recharge the batteries and is now back in the dugout at the City Ground feeling refreshed.

The Reds’ boss has the chance to bring in some new faces in the January transfer window as he looks to put his own stamp on his newly inherited squad. He is a vastly experienced operator at the top level and has worked with his fair share of players over recent years. Dyche’s main aim right now is to keep his new team in the Premier League.

Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson wanted

According to the Daily Mail, Manchester City, Manchester United and Liverpool wanted Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson. The Reds could face a battle to keep hold of the England ace in the near future amid attention from elsewhere. He is under contract until June 2029 meaning they are under no immediate pressure to sell him and can wait for the right money to come in for his signature.

Anderson, 23, rose up through the academy ranks at Newcastle United and was a regular for them at various different youth levels as a youngster. The Toon Army loaned him out to Bristol Rovers back in 2022 to help him get some experience under his belt in the Football League. Upon his return to the North East, he broke into the first-team and went on to make 55 appearances.

Nottingham Forest then swooped in for his services in 2024 and he hasn’t looked back since. He has become a key player and is one of their most prized assets now. The Whitley Bay-born man has played 58 matches so far, 16 of which have come this term, and he has chipped in with three goals.

Nottingham Forest should eye Brentford’s Yehor Yarmolyuk as replacement

Nottingham Forest won’t want to lose Anderson, especially to a team in the same league like City, United or Liverpool. Their hands may be tied though if an offer that they can’t refuse is received. Therefore, they should start thinking about possible replacements.

Brentford ace Yehor Yarmolyuk would be ideal for the Reds and would slot right into Dyche’s starting XI. The Ukraine international, who has played seven times for his country, has come on leaps and bounds for the Bees over recent times. Keith Andrews has managed to get the best out of him and he is a proven performer in the top flight now.

At the age of 21, he is two years younger than Anderson and has bags of potential. He joined Brentford back in 2022 from Dnipro and initially featured heavily for their B team. Yarmolyuk has since made 79 outings for the senior team and has caught the eye.

If Forest landed Yarmolyuk, he would inject quality into their midfield department. He would give Dyche more competition and depth to pick from in the middle of the park. In addition, he could fill the void left perfectly if Anderson ends up leaving for a new challenge somewhere else.