- No direct contact by Manchester United for Forest star
- Both Manchester clubs in two-way race
- Midfielder expected to cost over £100m
The season has not even finished, and the tug of war between Manchester United and Manchester City is heating up.
Whilst they are conceded to losing their best player this summer, Nottingham Forest will be the beneficiaries of this battle in the boardrooms. Since joining from Newcastle United, Elliot Anderson has become a star in his own making.
His first priority will be to save his club from relegation. His second will be to help England win the 2026 World Cup this summer.
Both clubs will likely be able to offer him Champions League football next season, making either side of Manchester seem appealing.
Anderson is Manchester Bound
According to the latest reports from Sky Sport Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, Nottingham Forest have made their stance on the transfer saga. If Anderson leaves the City Ground this summer as expected, it will only be for one of the two Manchester giants.
The 23-year-old’s meteoric rise has made him only affordable to the two powerhouses of English football. They are both looking for a midfielder of his calibre and profile, which Forest are smart to base their valuation on.
However, all the noise has not resulted in any bids being submitted for the Englishman yet. Forest are sounding clubs out over the valuation, so that any inevitable bids come close to their current asking price. Plettenburg suggests that Vitor Pereira’s side is looking for a fee close to £100-120m.
City have confirmed that captain Bernardo Silva will be leaving the club at the end of the season. There is uncertainty around Rodri, who the club would be directly looking to replace with Anderson.
On the other hand, United have already confirmed that Casemiro will be leaving this summer. The Reds have had an early head start, as the joint announcement came in January. This has allowed them to identify Anderson as their number one target.
Steep Price for Invaluable Target
The £120m quote is a steep fee for an English midfielder who plays for a relegation-bound team. However, the profile of the ‘complete’ number six capable of playing as an eight is what his future club will pay for. Anderson has years ahead of him, and is already considered as a starter for England under Thomas Tuchel as well.
For Forest, the possibility of delaying the transfer works out even better for them. The World Cup ‘premium’ price is likely to be increased from their current valuation. Alternatively, for the buying club, if Anderson shines on the global stage, then £120m could be a bargain for a player who is only 23 years-old.
After this revelation, United needs to quickly assess whether the finances are affordable or if other targets would be a cheaper alternative. Additionally, Pep Guardiola’s side are considered the frontrunners in the race.
Other cheaper options include Atalanta’s Ederson, who has been linked to Old Trafford. Brighton’s Carlos Baleba would not cost as much as last season, nor would Kees Smit from AZ Alkmaar.
