Thomas Tuchel has urged Elliot Anderson not to be distracted by transfer speculation and to 'stay the same person' if he does complete a huge move. The Nottingham Forest midfielder is expected to leave the City Ground this summer, with Manchester City and Manchester United both keen to sign him. City appear the most likely destination, having already made two substantial bids, both rejected. The latest offer was £106 million upfront with add-ons that would push the total beyond £120 million, but Forest are holding out for a guaranteed £125 million for the former Newcastle player.
Tuchel's advice to Anderson
Speaking after England's 3-0 friendly win over Costa Rica, Tuchel said Anderson seems unfazed by the speculation. 'He seems not affected. It was an amazing performance, so all fine,' the England boss commented. On the possibility of breaking the British transfer record set by Alexander Isak's move from Newcastle to Liverpool, Tuchel added: 'If that's the case, it should just push him because it's proof of what he's capable of and what level he can perform. At the moment it seems like a push for him.'
'Even if – if – a transfer is completed, hopefully he stays the same person. Nothing will change overnight with him if he wakes up, he's not a new player. People will try to hang around his neck this price but, in reality, nothing changes, he just changes the club and that's the rules of the game. Hopefully he just stays the same – a humble, determined, hungry football player.'
Declan Rice's confidence
By the end of the World Cup, England could boast two midfielders who cost over £100 million, as Declan Rice also arrived with a hefty price tag when Arsenal signed him from West Ham. Rice, who has played 55 times for Arsenal this season, insists he is in great shape. 'I feel good as gold. Feel really fit, feel really strong,' he said. 'Had a couple of niggles throughout the season which I managed really well with the physios and the manager, so I've come here in a really good place.'
'I feel really confident. I think winning that Premier League for me, I have come here with a sense of confidence and a spring in my step. Now I have got over that line with Arsenal, it has given me that confidence that we can come here and achieve big things as well.'
'I'm really in a good place at the moment. I think the season has been more mentally tough than physically. Even though I have played so many games, the emotions you go through on a football pitch is ridiculous. Trying to win the Premier League and obviously winning it, and then to lose the final, you're up and down constantly, trying to adapt. And then full focus turns to the World Cup. It's hard to think about the World Cup in season because you have so many big games, but when you actually get here, it's when it starts to hit you. So I'm happy I didn't think about it too much ahead, and obviously now I have come here with a fresh mind, ready to go.'
