Manchester United have been dealt a blow in their chances of signing Elliot Anderson but it is not the end of this transfer saga just yet.
According to The Mirror, Elliot Anderson’s preferred destination in the summer is Manchester City.
City are favourites to sign Anderson, but Manchester United are also in the race for the Nottingham Forest star as Ineos look to overhaul the midfield department.
The report claims that City could sign Anderson for as little as £65 million this summer, but that figure alone should encourage United that this transfer race isn’t over yet.
IF Elliot Anderson signs for Man City, who would be your TOP PRIORITY midfield alternative?
Elliot Anderson knee slide for Nottingham Forest.
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Elliot Anderson of Nottingham Forest seen in action during
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Man Utd could repeat Leny Yoro trick with Elliot Anderson
In 2024, United completed a £52m deal for Leny Yoro just days after it seemed he was set to join Real Madrid instead.
Madrid were left stunned at United’s Yoro hijack after believing that they had wrapped up a deal for the French defender.
Since changing his mind, Yoro has no regrets about joining United over Madrid, and he has gone on to become one of the most promising young defenders in European football.
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The current narrative is that Anderson is likely to join City, but Ineos should not count themselves out of the transfer race until the contract is signed. They have stolen top targets from rivals before, and they can do it again.
If City’s proposed deal for Anderson truly is worth just £65 million, then United can improve on that offer. It could result in a transfer hijack, or at least force City to pay above their initial fee to secure the Forest midfielder.
You have £100m to spend on a midfielder – who are YOU buying, Elliot Anderson or Adam Wharton?
Or is there another realistic player you would sign instead? Let us know who!
Anderson or Wharton graphic
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Elliot Anderson must show interest in Man United move
The only caveat to United remaining in the race for Anderson is that the player has to signal some interest in making a move to Old Trafford.
If his heart is set on joining City, then Ineos should feel comfortable walking away from the deal.
In the summer, United have had huge success with Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha, Benjamin Sesko and Senne Lammens because all four players were desperate to make the move to Old Trafford.
READ MORE: Rio Ferdinand shares his ‘realistic’ transfer plans for Man Utd, including Elliot Anderson verdict
If Anderson would have any regrets about a United move, then this transfer story is over before it ever really started. United need players committed to bringing the Premier League trophy back to Old Trafford.
United have several other midfield targets they could pursue if Anderson is taken off the market by City.
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