Manchester United are reportedly braced for defeat in their pursuit of Elliot Anderson, but view Alex Scott (Bournemouth) and Mateus Fernandes (West Ham) as more attainable targets.
That’s according to David Ornstein, who disclosed last night that Manchester City’s proposal for Anderson was worth £106 million. Including add-ons, it would take the offer above the British record of £120m.
However, Nottingham Forest are adamant about receiving £120m upfront, hence the roadblock in negotiations.
🚨 Manchester United admiration for Elliot Anderson well known but not in contention at current financial levels. #MUFC refusing to enter bidding war; targeting players who want them + focused on candidates like Mateus Fernandes & Alex Scott @TheAthleticFC https://t.co/DdanEQcqnz
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) June 10, 2026
Why United are turning their attention away from Anderson
United, having already agreed a £39m deal for Brazilian international Ederson, are unwilling to be drawn into a bidding war, especially given there is an acceptance that Anderson would prefer a move to the Etihad.
Elliot Anderson confident of joining City. #mufc haven’t formally dropped interest, at time of writing https://t.co/IDv7aLIyBD
— Samuel Luckhurst (@samuelluckhurst) June 10, 2026
INEOS are keen to prioritise the additions of players who want United as much as United want them, which was the case with the likes of Bryan Mbeumo, Benjamin Sesko and Matheus Cunha last summer.
Mbeumo even rebuffed interest from Arsenal, Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur – all of whom would’ve provided him the opportunity to play Champions League football for the first time in his career last season – to join the Red Devils instead.
Fernandes and Scott viewed as viable Anderson alternatives
As for the alternative midfielders, Fernandes is almost nailed-on to be leaving West Ham following their relegation from the Premier League.
Had they been able to retain their top-flight status, it’s likely they’d have been able to keep hold of him, especially when considering he only joined the Irons last August.
They will demand £85m to facilitate 21-year-old Fernandes’ exit, and United have already been in touch with the player’s camp.
Meanwhile, Scott, 22, is valued at £80m by the Cherries.
Player PL Appearances (starts) Goal contributions Minutes played
Fernandes 72 (69) 13 5,948
Scott 80 (53) 6 4,621
They are actively working to tie him down to a new deal to fend off outside interest this summer, but would consider the addition of a release clause to make him want to commit to an extension.
Understand Bournemouth value Alex Scott at around £80m and plan to offer the midfielder a new deal.
Yet Liverpool and Manchester United have Scott on their radar. Spurs also hold appreciation.
Bournemouth owner Bill Foley is intent on keeping Scott with hope he'll sign a new… pic.twitter.com/NpqGMlJC4c
— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) June 9, 2026
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Isabel, 25, is a football writer who has previously gained experience in the industry as the editor of Stretty News, along with work on Caught Offside, Last Word on Football and Give Me Sport. She is now the editor of UtdReport.
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