Former Newcastle United midfielder Elliot Anderson is reportedly a transfer target for Manchester United, with the Red Devils said to be considering a £70m bid
Manchester United are said to be interested in a move for Elliot Anderson
Manchester United are said to be interested in a move for Elliot Anderson
Former Newcastle United star Elliot Anderson is said to be on Manchester United's trasfer radar, as per ex-Old Trafford scout Mick Brown.
Anderson, who made 55 appearances for the Magpies after rising through their youth system, moved to Nottingham Forest in a £35 million deal back in July 2024.
The decision to let the talented 22-year-old go was met with criticism at the time, but Eddie Howe's side were forced to sell to meet Profit and Sustainability (PSR) rules. In a simultaneous move, reserve goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos was transferred 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's now living up to those expectations.
Indeed, Anderson was instrumental in Forest's impressive seventh-place finish last season, earning them a spot in this season's Europa League. His stellar performances have continued this season, culminating in an England senior debut against Andorra earlier this month under Thomas Tuchel.
After a standout performance that earned him the Player of the Match award, Anderson was rewarded with a second cap for England's match against Serbia, where he once again shone.
With Anderson turning heads both at Forest and on international duty, rumours about his future are heating up. According to ex-United boss Brown, the Reds are mulling over a potential move.
Elliot Anderson's form has propelled him into the England squad
Elliot Anderson's form has propelled him into the England squad
"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 suggest Forest rate Anderson at a minimum of £70m - twice what the Reds paid for him just over 12 months ago. At present, 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 compensation through a potential sell-on agreement?
Chronicle Live believes the Magpies don't possess a buy-back option despite suggestions the club can trigger specific clauses in his deal with Forest.
Should Newcastle want Anderson back, they'd need to pay the full market rate for the midfielder, with his worth rising after every display at present. 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 hefty sum.
Anderson wasn't the only player Newcastle had to let go last season to comply with PSR rules. The Magpies also offloaded Yankuba Minteh to Brighton and Hove Albion in a deal worth roughly £30m.
However, the decision to let Anderson go was always one that could come back to bite them - and it has.
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Content Image
Content Image