Manchester United are tracking Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson.
Carlos Baleba is not Manchester United’s only midfield transfer option for 2026, which is just as well considering his shaky form for Brighton this season.
United are expected to make two midfield signings next year, with the club already light at the position, and Casemiro’s contract set to expire.
One of the names United are looking at is Nottingham Forest star Elliot Anderson.
Elliot Anderson dribbles the ball for Nottingham Forest, under pressure from Man Utd's Manuel Ugarte
Photo by Jon Hobley | MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Manchester United scouts rate Elliot Anderson
Elliot Anderson signed for Nottingham Forest in 2024 from Newcastle, and he was a key player as they qualified for the Europa League last season.
United In Focus understand via transfer insider Graeme Bailey that Manchester United have been watching Anderson.
And we are told by sources that the interest in Anderson has not just been because of United’s need for another player to maybe play double pivot – but because he is emerging as one of the most promising midfielders in Europe.
Bailey reveals that Manchester United’s scouts have issued ‘glowing reports’ on Anderson’s performances and skillset.
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He said: “Anderson has really caught the eye of Manchester United and I am told they really like his ability to cover a lot of roles in midfield.
“Going into 2026, we could see a real revolution in that midfield department with Casemiro set to leave, and question marks over Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo.
“We talk about Baleba as the main target, he is, but could we see two – by next summer, I think that is a real possibility.”
Anderson’s England role will keep price high
Nottingham Forest will fight to keep hold of their top prospects, as shown by their refusal to allow Morgan Gibbs-White to join Tottenham this past summer.
Manchester United’s chances of landing Elliot Anderson could also be impacted by his role with England, where Thomas Tuchel is a big fan.
Tuchel recently named Anderson as an England starter for the first time, with the midfielder stepping up from his success with the under-21s.
In a World Cup year, Anderson’s role with the Three Lions could prove complicated for a transfer, in terms of a delay during a tournament, and potentially inflating his price tag.