Manchester United are reportedly preparing to battle Manchester City and Chelsea for the signature of Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson during next summer's transfer window.
Anderson has broken into the England team this season, and such is his impression on Three Lions head coach Thomas Tuchel, it is viewed as a strong possibility that he could start at the 2026 World Cup.
The midfielder's move from Newcastle United to Forest in the summer of 2024 came as a huge surprise, with the Magpies reluctantly parting ways with the 22-year-old to ensure that they fell in line with the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability Rules.
Anderson has made 52 appearances for Forest, scoring twice and registering seven assists, including one assist in 10 appearances in all competitions during the 2025-26 campaign.
The Englishman has a contract at the City Ground until June 2029, but it is understood that he could be on the move next summer, such is the interest in his services.
Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson on August 17, 2025
Man United 'pursuing' Forest, England star Anderson
Man City and Chelsea are both being linked with the midfielder, who is believed to be valued by Forest in the region of £75m, but according to The Mirror, Man United are also firmly in the hunt.
The Red Devils are planning to make at least one big-money midfield signing in 2026, but it is possible that two could arrive, with Casemiro out of contract.
There is also huge uncertainty when it comes to the futures of Bruno Fernandes, Kobbie Mainoo and Manuel Ugarte, with the midfield viewed as a weak area in Ruben Amorim's XI.
Forest had an excellent 2024-25 campaign, finishing in seventh spot in England's top flight, but they have struggled this term, with the team currently down in 18th spot in the Premier League table.
Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson pictured on September 13, 2025
Would Anderson be a good signing for Man United?
Anderson showed real promise at Newcastle during the 2022-23 and 2023-24 campaigns, and it was a surprise when he was sold for £35m in 2024, but it was a financial decision rather than a sporting one.
The midfielder has gone from strength to strength at Forest, and he has also been outstanding for England in his four appearances for the national side in September and October.
Anderson fits the bill in terms of the signings that Man United are now looking to make under minority shareholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe, and it would be some statement of intent from the 20-time English champions if they could beat Man City and Chelsea to his signature in the summer of 2026.
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