Newcastle starlet compared to Diego Maradona set for £30million Nottingham Forest move

Published: 10:04, 30 Jun 2024Updated: 10:05, 30 Jun 2024

Newcastle midfielder Elliot Anderson will undergo a medical with Nottingham Forest today.

The 21-year-old is set to swap St James’ Park for the City Ground in deal believed to be worth around £30million.

Anderson appeared frequently last season, despite a back injuryCredit: Getty

The youngster has been part of the Newcastle first-team for two seasons after a successful loan spell with Bristol Rovers in the 2021/22 season.

Last season Anderson made 21 Premier League appearances whilst also featuring twice in the Champions League.

The first came in a 0-0 draw at the San Siro against AC Milan, and the second in the Magpies’ famous 4-1 win over Paris Saint-Germain.

It’s likely Anderson would have featured more too but he missed the middle section of the campaign due to a back injury.

The Scotland youth international, who was born in England, is a product of the famous Wallsend Boys Club which also produced Alan Shearer, Steve Bruce, and Michael Carrick.

His loan spell with Bristol Rovers, where he helped them earn promotion to League One via a third-place finish saw him gain notoriety as an up and coming talent.

After a 1-0 win over Colchester that season, manager Joey Barton even compared him to one of football’s greats.

“I’ve been listening to Bill Shankley tapes a lot today,” he told BristolLive. “He talked a lot about a 19-year-old Diego Maradona and how he slows down in the penalty area, exactly like Elliot Anderson does. (He is) such a talent.”

Anderson has been a regular for the Magpies over the last two campaignsCredit: Getty

“Elliot has been brilliant for us from the first day we brought him in. I would have paid to watch him tonight – he was that good. He is growing into the shirt and his goal capped an outstanding performance.”

Even at the end of last season, Eddie Howe was keen to praise Anderson, despite a difficult campaign.

He said: “Elliot has come through the Academy here. When I first came to the club, we were aware of him and his talents. He’s really worked on all aspects of the game, and I think he’s been really reliable for us.

Whatever position I have used in him, he has done very well. Tactically I have asked him to do a couple of things that the team has needed, and he’s done it very well. I am really pleased with his level of maturity and his tactical understanding.”

Meanwhile, there is still a chance Newcastle may sell Callum Wilson with strong interest from Saudi Arabia.

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