Scotland under-21 star set for shock £35million transfer to rival club

KIERAN TIERNEY is the most expensive Scottish footballer ever.

But that might be about to change – even if we might have to wait a little longer to see if the player at the heart of it even plays for Scotland!

Tierney became the most expensive Scottish player ever when he completed his stunning £25million move from Celtic to Arsenal back in August 2019.

Next on that list are Oli McBurnie‘s £20million move from Swansea to Sheffield United and Oli Burke‘s £15million move from RB Leipzig to West Brom.

But now, it’s Elliot Anderson who COULD top that list.

Born in Whitley Bay, the 21-year old came through the youth ranks at his boyhood club Newcastle United.

After a decade in the youth system, Anderson broke into the first team in January 2021 aged just 18.

He’s gone on to make 55 appearances in all competitions for the English Premier League giants.

Although born in England, Anderson is eligible to represent Scotland internationally.

And that’s what he’s done so far.

Anderson was capped at under-16, under-17 and under-18 level and won his first Scotland under-21 cap in June 2022.

But uncertainty has clouded his international future.

Prior to making his Scotland under-21 bow, Anderson had accepted a call-up for the England under-21s and appeared in a non-international friendly against an Arsenal side.

But AFTER having made his debut for the Scotland under-21s, he rejected a subsequent call-up and revealed he was keeping his options open.

And then in August last year, Anderson was called-up to the Scotland senior squad by Steve Clarke.

Anderson reported for duty and trained with the Scotland squad ahead of the Euro 2024 qualifier against Cyprus and friendly showdown with England.

But he withdrew due to injury.

Scotland boss Clarke subsequently revealed how Anderson needed to be given “time and space” to finally decide where his international future lies.

He hasn’t been called up by Scotland since and has yet to publicly reveal any decision.

In the meantime, he looks set for a shock £35million transfer to Nottingham Forest.

Should Anderson decide to represent Scotland internationally, that would of course make him the most expensive Scottish player of all time.

Various reports in England, initially by The Athletic, say it’s almost a done deal, with Sky Sports reporting that Anderson has undergone a medical this morning at the City Ground.

The move looks set to go through despite the fact Newcastle are understood to be ‘reluctant’ to let him leave – AND the fact Anderson himself reportedly ‘doesn’t want to leave’ his boyhood club.

But with points deductions dished out last season by the Premier League, clubs are being extra careful this summer to comply with the competition’s profit and sustainability rules.

Clubs need to be compliant with those rules by close of play TODAY in order to avoid potential future charges and deductions.

And that’s why the Anderson deal looks set to get over the line this afternoon.

Newcastle also look set to sell Yankubah Minteh in another bumper deal.

The 19-year old starred for Feyenoord during a loan spell last season but has NEVER appeared for the Toon first team.

Despite that, it looks like he’s on his way to Brighton in a bumper £33million transfer deal.

Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page