Former Newcastle United midfielder Elliot Anderson is a transfer target for Manchester United, with the Reds said to be considering a £70m move for the Nottingham Forest star
Elliot Anderson has been linked with a move to Manchester United
Elliot Anderson has been linked with a move to Manchester United
(Image: Getty Images)
Former Newcastle United midfielder Elliot Anderson is on Manchester United's radar for a potential transfer, according to former Old Trafford scout Mick Brown.
Anderson, who made 55 first-team appearances for the Magpies after rising through their youth system, moved to Nottingham Forest in July 2024 for a hefty £35million fee.
The decision to let the then 22-year-old go was met with some criticism, but Eddie Howe's side had to make sales to adhere to Profit and Sustainability (PSR) rules. At the same time, reserve goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos was sold to Newcastle for £20m.
There were concerns that Newcastle might rue letting Anderson go, given his potential to become a top-tier Premier League player, and it seems he is now realising that potential.
Indeed, Anderson was instrumental in helping Forest secure a seventh-place finish last season and a spot in this season's Europa League. His impressive form has continued into this campaign, earning him an England senior debut under Thomas Tuchel against Andorra earlier this month.
After a standout performance and bagging the Player of the Match award, Anderson earned his second cap for England's match against Serbia, where he once again shone.
With Anderson making waves at both Forest and England, speculation about his future is mounting. According to ex-United chief Brown, the Reds are contemplating a move.
"Man United have been looking at Anderson," Brown told Football Insider. "He's done a tremendous job at Nottingham Forest and then he's come into the England side and turned in a man-of-the-match performance. United see him as exactly the type of midfielder they would like to bring in.
"He gets up and down the park, he's confident and secure in possession of the ball, and he's not afraid to put in a tackle, which is something they need.
"Anderson would solve, or certainly help with, a lot of the issues they've had under Amorim. Everybody knows they wanted a midfielder in the summer but they couldn't find the right one who was available at the price they wanted.
"I don't know what Anderson would cost, but he is somebody who's been on their radar. He would be the ideal player to fill the gaps they've had in the squad."
Reports have indicated that Forest rate Anderson at a minimum of £70m - twice what the Reds paid for him just over 12 months ago. Currently, it's believed the midfielder has no intention of departing The City Ground.
However, should he make the switch to Manchester, would Newcastle be entitled to some money as part of a possible sell-on arrangement?
As per Chronicle Live, the Magpies do not possess a buy-back provision despite suggestions that the club can trigger particular clauses in his deal with Forest. Should Newcastle desire Anderson's return, they would need to pay the full market rate for the midfielder, with his worth rising after each display, presently.
It's been hinted that Newcastle may not have a sell-on clause in Anderson's contract, which could be a significant setback if he is sold for a substantial sum.
Notably, Anderson wasn't the only player Newcastle offloaded to comply with PSR rules last season. The Magpies also transferred Yankuba Minteh to Brighton and Hove Albion in a deal valued at about £30m.
However, the decision to let Anderson go was always seen as a potential regret - and it appears to be so.
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