Elliot Anderson has been high on Manchester United's shortlist this summer, but Manchester City are also keen on securing the England international's signature
Elliot Anderson
Elliot Anderson has been eyed by Manchester United and Manchester City(Image: (Visionhaus/Getty Images))
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Manchester United have opened the door for bitter rivals Manchester City to press ahead and sign Elliot Anderson this summer. United had targeted the Nottingham Forest midfielder as one of their main summer targets, but Old Trafford chiefs are not willing to meet the asking price of around £100m.
United are also of the understanding that England international Anderson would prefer to join City instead of them. It's understood City remain increasingly confident of landing Anderson, despite Pep Guardiola's recent departure.
Enzo Maresca is expected to replace Guardiola at the Etihad and has given his seal of approval to the signing of 23-year-old Anderson. United will turn their attentions elsewhere in their bid to sign midfield reinforcements ahead of next season.
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Adam Wharton, Carlos Belaba and Real Madrid duo Aurelien Tchouameni and Federico Valverde remain possible targets. While United have considered a shock move for Alexis Mac Allister, but know striking a deal with Liverpool is highly unlikely.
City would like to secure the services of Anderson before he heads to the World Cup with England. But Forest know Anderson's value will increase further, should he have a successful tournament with the Three Lions.
Forest will not stand in Anderson's way this summer if he decides to make the step up to a bigger club. Anderson, who won the 2025 European U21 Championship with England last summer, joined Forest from Newcastle in 2024 for £35m.
Elliot Anderson in action against Manchester United at Old Trafford
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He has gone on to establish himself as one of the best midfielders in the Premier League - and is expected to start England's opening group game at the World Cup against Croatia in Dallas.
Last weekend's game against Bournemouth was his 50th appearance of the season and Forest fans gave him a standing ovation.
Asked about Anderson before his side’s win 3-2 over Forest at Old Trafford earlier this month, Michael Carrick said: "Yeah, he's done well. I think he's a big part of their team.
"I think he offers so much, and they've got a really talented team and dangerous team. So they've had a good season to get to the [Europa League] semi-finals and just fall short. But yeah, you can see obviously he is important part of their team."