Nottingham Forest star Elliot Anderson is attracting interest from both Manchester City and Manchester United heading into the summer transfer window
Elliot Anderson is wanted by both Manchester City and Manchester United
Elliot Anderson is wanted by both Manchester City and Manchester United(Image: (Alex Pantling/Getty Images))
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Former Manchester City midfielder Gareth Barry believes Rodri could be key as his old side fight Manchester United for Elliot Anderson’s signature. A battle between City and United is expected to break out during the summer for the £100million-rated Nottingham Forest star.
Since joining Forest from Newcastle United in the summer of 2024, the England international has established himself as one of the best young midfielders in the Premier League. Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur are also believed to be keen on signing Anderson this summer.
However, it is Pep Guardiola's side who appear to be right at the front of the queue to sign Anderson, who is expected to leave the City Ground this summer, regardless of whether Forest avoid relegation. But former City Premier League title winner Barry believes Rodri's future could determine whether the 23-year-old moves to the Etihad Stadium or not.
“I think he needs to look at his game time,” Barry, speaking via BetMGM, said. “If it were me personally and I were Elliott Anderson, then I would be looking at my game time.
“If Rodri stays at Manchester City, then he probably has less chance of playing as many games, although he would still get game time.
“But I would be looking at stuff like that, as he is still a young player, and he will want to be playing games. I’m an ex-Man City player, so I am not going to push any player to go to Man United, but I would be looking at who is going to be around and who I am going to be competing against.
“But even more, where is Pep going to be? Who is the Man United manager going to be? A lot of these things will be going through Elliott Anderson’s head at the minute if he is to leave Nottingham Forest.”
Rodri, whose contract expires at the end of next season, threw his City future into doubt last month when he said “you can’t turn down the best clubs in the world” after being asked about the prospect of joining Real Madrid. But since then, Guardiola has claimed that the Spain international will sign a new deal with City, though he also wouldn't stand in the midfielder’s way if the La Liga giants came calling.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 8: Pep Guardiola Manager / Head Coach of Manchester City and Rodri of Manchester City during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Manchester City at Anfield on February 8, 2026 in Liverpool, United Kingdom. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)
Pep Guardiola and Rodri following Man City's win over Liverpool earlier this season(Image: Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA, Getty Images)
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“I know what the club wants,” the Catalan said. “They informed me what they want from Rodri – it is to stay. Always my wish is that Rodri could stay as long as possible in this club. He’s an incredible player.”
He added: “There is no player that will turn down the chance to play for Madrid, I understand completely. He was born in Spain. If one player is not happy, they have to leave.
“I think he is happy, but if he is not happy, just knock on the door of the sporting director, accept an offer according to his incredible quality and after that, he belongs only to himself."
Madrid are indeed admirers but it remains to be seen whether the Spanish side would pursue a move this summer. However, they are likely to be in the market for a new midfielder with Eduardo Camavinga and Aurelien Tchouameni expected to be moved on.
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