Manchester United have been tracking the progress of Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson, who has been linked with a big money move to Manchester City or Chelsea
Elliot Anderson of Nottingham Forest
Man United-linked Elliot Anderson has been in fine form for Nottingham Forest this season
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Manchester United are preparing to enter the race for Elliot Anderson.
The Nottingham Forest midfielder has become a sought-after player following his impressive debut with the England team. Manchester City and Chelsea have also been keeping tabs on the 23-year-old, who is considered one of the brightest prospects in English football.
United, keen to bolster their midfield, have also shown interest in Brighton's Carlos Baleba and Crystal Palace's promising English player Adam Wharton. However, they hold Anderson in high regard, who made his England debut in September and has since earned four senior caps.
He is viewed as a likely contender to start in next year's World Cup. Anderson was sold by Newcastle for £35million last year, a move seen as a significant loss but necessary to comply with Profit and Sustainability Rules.
His performance since then, both as a defensive midfielder and an attacking player, has been remarkable.
Forest would undoubtedly want to retain such a valuable asset and would be reluctant to sell, despite the growing interest in Anderson, now estimated to be worth around £75m.
City are looking to strengthen their midfield as Rodri struggles to regain full fitness. Chelsea have also been successful in acquiring young English talent, although they already have a well-stocked department.
United invested heavily during the summer window on their attacking options and spent over £200m bringing in Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko. However, a late summer approach for Baleba was knocked back by Brighton, demonstrating that United remain keen on a major overhaul.
They are seeking improved balance in the middle of the park and the Mirror report United could well target two fresh additions, with Bruno Fernandes still drawing attention from the likes of Saudi Arabia, whilst Casemiro's deal expires this summer.
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Anderson remains tied to Forest until June 2029 and would require a substantial transfer fee. The midfielder has become integral to the side, featuring for the entire duration in all 10 of Forest's Premier League and Europa League fixtures this campaign.
United approached Brighton regarding Baleba's availability during the summer window, though the pursuit failed to materialise as the Seagulls maintained their asking price.
"I don't think Baleba was a saga," Brighton owner Tony Bloom told The Argus recently. "There was interest from Manchester United, and we said that he wasn't available this summer and they went away. So we've had many bigger sagas in the past.
"But Carlos Baleba, his improvement has been immense. Massively important player to this football club, and just delighted that he's with us for this season."
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