Elliot Anderson has vowed to ignore the speculation surrounding his future, insisting he is solely focused on achieving success with Nottingham Forest and England.
Anderson, 23, is likely to be one of the most sought-after players this summer following a superb season, with Man United, Man City and Arsenal all holding an interest in him.
Despite only making his international debut last September, Anderson is also a shoo-in for Thomas Tuchel’s squad for the World Cup this summer, and he is expected to start alongside Declan Rice in midfield.
However, Anderson, one of 11 players to join up late with England after being granted some extra time off by Tuchel amid a gruelling schedule, maintained he is not distracted by the rumour mill.
Speaking ahead of England’s friendly with Japan on Tuesday night, he said: ‘I’ve got the World Cup this summer so all my eyes are on that and playing for England.
‘I’ve got the badge on, so that’s all I’m thinking about at the moment.’
Elliot Anderson has shrugged off transfer talk and said he is focused on achieving success with England and Nottingham Forest
Anderson has enjoyed a stellar season for Forest and has been linked with several top clubs
When asked if he felt he was guaranteed a place in Tuchel’s squad, Anderson added: ‘I want it that way, but I’ve got a full season left with Forest and plenty of games.
‘There’s plenty of time until the World Cup so I’ve got to keep my standards until then and make sure it happens.’
Anderson is clearly relishing being around the England environment, one which is different to the intense pressure of a relegation battle at Forest – and revealed he has learnt lots from the likes of Harry Kane and Declan Rice, although the Arsenal man will be absent tomorrow evening after dropping out of the squad through injury.
‘Yeah there are definitely (very different emotions), but ultimately all of the games are the same,’ he said.
‘I’m just trying to give my best on the pitch and fight for whatever strip I’ve got on.’
