Manchester United may need to abandon hopes of completing one of their dream transfers this summer.
INEOS have made midfield reinforcements a top priority, much like they transformed the attack with the arrivals of Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko last summer.
Elliot Anderson emerged as their leading candidate to replace Casemiro at the base of midfield.
The England international is one of the most sought-after young midfielders in Europe and is rapidly moving beyond United’s financial reach.
Manchester City made an astonishing bid of £120 million including add-ons earlier today for the England international.
However, Nottingham Forest have turned down the approach.
They remain adamant about receiving a fixed fee that would eclipse the £125m British-record fee Liverpool paid Newcastle United for Alexander Isak last summer.
INEOS have no intention of matching such extraordinary demands and would rather spread that investment across multiple players.
There is little doubt that Anderson possesses the talent to emulate the impact Declan Rice has made at Arsenal.
However, Forest are demanding an outrageous fee and committing £125m to a single midfielder would represent a huge gamble.
The Red Devils also retain a strong interest in West Ham United star Mateus Fernandes.
Carlos Baleba and Alex Scott also remain firmly on the club’s radar. Both players are highly valued by their respective clubs, meaning negotiations would likely begin at around £80m.
Adam Wharton is another youngster who could elevate their midfield but United are yet to enter into talks with Crystal Palace.
Anderson would have been an ideal partner to unlock the very best of Kobbie Mainoo in the centre of the park.
However, the current financial landscape makes it increasingly difficult for United to justify breaking the bank for the Forest star.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com