Elliot Anderson was named in the starting XI by Thomas Tuchel as England took on Costa Rica in the final friendly before the World Cup, and it came just hours after Manchester City saw a bid worth £122m rejected by Nottingham Forest for the 23-year-old.
The Reds are only willing to sell the England international for a new British transfer record, meaning Manchester City will have to go beyond the £125m fee Liverpool spent on Alexander Isak back in August.
This transfer saga is potentially a distraction for Anderson just eight days before the World Cup begins, although the Nottingham Forest No.8 showed absolutely no evidence of a dip in performance with a masterful display against Costa Rica.
The man born in Whitley Bay was his typically composed self after being given the nod by Tuchel, playing a key role in the 3-0 win.
Sofascore shows that Anderson – who Yaya Toure admires – completed 74 of his attempted 81 passes, with 52 of those coming in the opposition half. All 22 of his attempted passes in his own half were completed.
The Manchester City target also made seven ball recoveries and won two of his three aerial duels, carrying the ball 214.5 metres too as he took the game to Costa Rica – twice whipping dangerous crosses towards the back post as well.
Photo by Eddie Keogh – The FA/The FA via Getty Images
It was an all-action display from the former Newcastle man, who looked highly motivated to secure his spot in the starting lineup for that World Cup opener against Croatia on Wednesday 17th June.
Manchester City 'may' make a third bid for Anderson by the end of this week – according to the Guardian – although Tuchel wants the situation to be carried out in an 'orderly fashion' to ensure as little disruption is caused as possible.
Manchester United are also interested , but the Guardian add that the Red Devils could end their interest in the midfielder altogether after seeing Manchester City's £122m offer turned down.
Evangelos Marinakis wants a guaranteed £125m for Anderson, not including add-ons.
