Manchester City look set to take an early lead in the race to sign Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest, leaving Liverpool to reassess.
The England international has been one of the Premier League’s standout midfielders over the past two years, with a big move likely to be on the way this summer.
Liverpool have been linked with Anderson as they aim to firm up a midfield which has lacked steel this season, but a Thursday update from journalist Fabrizio Romano has put City firmly in the driving seat.
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Man City take the lead on Anderson
Anderson appears to have the drive, energy and physical prowess which has been sorely missing for Liverpool in the middle of the pitch this season.
But, speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano said that it is City, not the Reds, who are hottest on the 23-year-old, with Manchester United also seemingly still in the mix.
“Nothing done, nothing decided, it will depend on Forest, Premier League or not, it will depend on the price, it will depend on the player. Several things,” he said.
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Elliot Anderson of Nottingham Forest looks on during the Premier League match between Nottingham Forest and Manchester United at City Ground.
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“But Manchester City have already started thinking of a midfielders shortlist and in this shortlist Elliot Anderson is absolutely high. He’s one of the players under consideration.
“From my understanding he’s in the top three, probably top two of targets for City midfielders this summer. I expect them to make moves for the player in the next weeks and months. He’s also appreciated by Manchester United, but there are even more things to clarify.”
Eduardo Camavinga can be Liverpool’s alternative
While missing out on Anderson would be a blow to Liverpool’s transfer hopes this summer, there are still plenty of attractive alternatives out there.
Many would like to see Adam Wharton arrive from Crystal Palace, and though they are slightly different players, it has always felt like the Reds could sign one or the other of Wharton and Anderson, but not both.
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Declan Rice runs with the ball as Curtis Jones chases him during Liverpool's Premier League match against Arsenal at Anfield.
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While the Palace star would be an exciting addition, though, Marca report on Thursday that Eduardo Camavinga is likely to be available from Real Madrid this summer.
With a price reportedly starting at around £43m, the Frenchman would be a cheaper, arguably superior option than either Anderson or Wharton.
Still only 23 years old, Camavinga has fallen out of favour at Madrid after five years, and Liverpool should be eyeing that as an enormous opportunity.
So, though Anderson does appear to be Manchester bound one way or another, the Reds can still come out of this having beefed up their midfield with a super player regardless. Go all in on Camavinga.
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