Elliot Anderson has reportedly picked his preferred next destination amid transfer interest from both Manchester United and Manchester City. The Nottingham Forest midfielder has been one of the breakthrough stars of the season, despite his side’s precarious position just above the drop zone.
Anderson’s qualities were on display against his prospective employers City during mid-week, when the midfield maestro caught the eye in the 2-2 draw. The England international netted the eventual equaliser, which could prove a crucial point for Forest in their bid to avoid the drop.
However, it’s expected that regardless of which division Forest find themselves in next season, Anderson will be plying his trade elsewhere. A race to secure his signature is believed to be heating up, with both Manchester clubs leading the race.
And according to a report from talkSPORT, there is a growing sense within the ranks at City that Anderson would prefer a move to the Etihad Stadium. That’s despite a vacancy opening up in United’s midfield, with veteran operator Casemiro set to leave Old Trafford at the end of the season.
While United are looking to directly replace a departing player, City are instead attempting to futureproof their squad, with talk that the Blues view Anderson as a long-term Rodri replacement. The Ballon d’Or winner has had a troubled couple of seasons on the injury front and boasts just over one year left on his current City deal.
Whether he signs an extension or not is seen as an irrelevance, not least because Bernardo Silva and Mateo Kovacic are also being linked with moves away from the club. And then there’s the Pep Guardiola effect, with so many players having referenced the chance to work with the Catalan coach as a deciding factor in joining City.
Before that though, it’s expected Anderson will play a key role for England at the upcoming World Cup. It would appear he’s muscled his way into Thomas Tuchel’s plans, with Anderson likely to feature heavily for the Three Lions in North America this summer.
Speaking earlier in the season, Tuchel explained: "Anderson is a key player for us at the moment. He is one of the best midfielders in the Premier League - that's why he is with us and starting for us.
"He deserves it because he has been nothing but impressive. He has to keep on going now though. He is a very complete and mobile midfielder, and that's what he keeps showing me. He still has a long career ahead of him and a long way to go. There are no guarantees, especially not publicly, for the World Cup."