Manchester United have made it very clear that they have a clear priority and wishlist in place for the summer transfer window, and it includes making their midfield stronger.
The Red Devils have been linked with a number of names, including the likes of Elliot Anderson, Sandro Tonali, Bruno Guimaraes, Carlos Baleba, and Adam Wharton, with a Premier League-proven star expected to be prioritised over European stars for the marquee signing.
But every one of those signings means that they would have to beat off some very stiff competition to get a deal over the line, and they have now been dealt a major blow in their pursuit for the man they consider to be the number one target.
Man Utd Dealt Big Blow in Anderson Move
Elliot Anderson
Anderson, who has been described as 'elite' by Thomas Tuchel, is believed to be the man they want above all others, with Nottingham Forest's £80m+ asking price not expected to put them off.
But the biggest issue United face is the interest from local rivals Man City, who are also keen on the England international after his impressive performances this season, which have seen him break out as one of the top midfielders in the Premier League.
Man Utd are confident they can get a deal done, although reports have suggested that the player would prefer a move to the Etihad instead. But their move is reported to rest upon the futures of Rodri and Bernardo Silva, who have both been linked with a move away from the club.
But City's interest now looks likely to be stepped up, after it was confirmed by assistant manager Pep Lijnders that captain and Portugal star Bernardo Silva will leave when his contract expires this summer.
Anderson is seen as the perfect heir to Silva's throne in the blue half of Manchester, and while United won't have given up on convincing him to move to Old Trafford, their task surely just got a whole lot bigger.
Man Utd Must Be Prepared to Move On
Michael Carrick
While the new manager isn't yet known at Man Utd, the club clearly have a transfer strategy in place for this summer which means some deals are likely to be pursued regardless of who is in the dugout.
Anderson is the top target, and he has earned that right. But with City also pushing, and the player's preference said to be going elsewhere, INEOS must be prepared to pivot and go for alternatives, rather than find themselves stuck in the mud if the deal doesn't go their way.
City have the edge for any deal, and they now have the motive to push forward with their interest, meaning Man Utd face an uphill battle to get what they want.
Manchester United caretaker manager Michael Carrick celebrates Related
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