Manchester United could use Harry Maguire as a secret weapon in their transfer race to sign Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson this summer, journalist Samuel Luckhurst has claimed.
The Old Trafford side are facing a difficult battle with rivals Manchester City for Anderson’s signature as they look to reinforce their midfield options amid the impending departure of Casemiro.
While initial reports claimed Anderson is leaning towards joining forces with Pep Guardiola, fresh claims from Luckhurst suggest United are still firmly in the race.
Anderson’s value has skyrocketed this season to around £100m, with Forest eyeing a potential club-record sale amid significant Premier League interest.
Man Utd Hold Elliot Anderson Advantage?
Harry Maguire
According to Luckhurst, Maguire could potentially play a key role behind the scenes in helping United convince Anderson to choose them over rivals Manchester City this summer.
Maguire’s status within the dressing room, as well as his experience with the England national team, could allow the 33-year-old to help promote United’s project directly to Anderson.
Luckhurst claims United’s home clash with Forest next month is worth keeping an eye on, adding that Maguire’s –as well as Luke Shaw and Kobbie Mainoo’s –post-match interactions with Anderson will be worth monitoring.
Given United’s history of signing England’s top players at international tournaments, such as Rio Ferdinand and Wayne Rooney, a move for Anderson this summer would fall into that category.
The 23-year-old midfielder is set for a starring role in Thomas Tuchel’s squad at the World Cup, having heavily impressed the German manager since his international debut last September.
Back in November, Tuchel was full of praise for Anderson, saying:
“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.”
Man Utd Can Outspend Rivals This Summer
Jason Wilcox
Luckhurst’s report adds that United will ‘have the financial health to outspend rivals’ this summer amid the expected departures of Casemiro, Jadon Sancho, Andre Onana, Marcus Rashford and others.
The exits would free up significant wages and create opportunities to compete for top players, something that has not necessarily been the case in the past.
With potentially Champions League football to offer, United will be even more appealing to their top targets this year, although they still managed to beat several Premier League clubs to sign Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko last summer.
A new midfielder is believed to be top of the agenda for the upcoming window, while the centre-back situation could also be reviewed amid long-standing injury concerns.
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