- Manchester United see Elliot Anderson as number one target
- Romano issues update on United’s latest stance
- Manchester City expected to lead the race for Forest star
The saga around Manchester United finding the ideal replacement for Casemiro will be a hot topic until the summer window opens.
The Red Devils have identified Nottignham Forest star Elliot Anderson as their number one target. However, it will not be an easy feat to sign the player. One of the main barriers was being able to offer Champions League football. Following the 1-0 victory against Chelsea, qualification is all but secured for next season.
The second issue is the interest of rivals Manchester City in the player. The Cityzens are looking to rejig their own midfield, which has posed a key problem in the pursuit of Anderson so far.
Manchester United Still Ready to Fight for Anderson Signing
According to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, Manchester United are not ready to back down in the pursuit of the 23-year-old. The Reds believe they can hijack the deal by leveraging the return of Champions League football to Old Trafford.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano mentioned that Forest won’t let their star player leave for a cheap sum: “Nottingham Forest want to ask a record, a really important fee for the midfielder, so I think it’s going to be a big financial battle also to understand who is going to make Nottingham Forest happy for Anderson.
The Red Devils will be hoping that their sporting project under INEOS will appeal to the England midfielder more so than City Football Group (CFG). He continued: “They [Man United] know that Manchester City started their plan to sign the player already a long time ago, but the deal is not done, Man United want to be there.”
Romano went on to further explain that “having the opportunity to offer Champions League football” will not put them in the driving seat. However, it will put the club on a level playing field when it comes to the players’ preferences.
United have already lost out to City in the transfer market this season. Antoine Semenyo opted to join the Sky Blues when he joined in January from AFC Bournemouth.
Bidding War Will Determine Anderson’s Destination
Anderson is a beloved figure at the City Ground. Ultimately, the race for the “dream” midfielder will come down to a bidding war. Romano explained: “It will depend on who is going to pay what Forest want for his signature.”
However, United must be wary of being held to ransom as they have in previous years. Everyone in football is well aware that United are in the market for a number six to replace Casemiro. It will drive prices up, but the faster the Reds can get a deal done for a replacement, the cheaper it theoretically will be.
Forest are banking on Anderson’s valuation skyrocketing if he performs for England this summer. Despite his quality, Anderson’s price tag could become unjustifiable by the end of June.
Rather than chasing him all window, United might be wise to wait until the end of the Premier League season and assess. With Forest currently involved in a relegation scrap, sitting just two points away from the drop. Relegation to the Championship would strip them of their playing hand. If they go down, United – or City – could secure their man without paying an astronomical fee.
