Manchester United and Manchester City have been heavily linked with signing Nottingham Forest star Elliot Anderson this summer
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 5: Elliot Anderson of Nottingham Forest reacts during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest at St James' Park on October 5, 2025 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Richard Sellers/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images)
Manchester United look to have moved on from Elliot Anderson(Image: Richard Sellers/Allstar, Getty Images)
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Manchester United have been told that Real Madrid star Federico Valverde would be the ideal midfield signing this summer. United are expected to have a busy summer transfer window over the next couple of months, with a host of players already being linked with moves to Old Trafford.
Michael Carrick and Co. will be looking ahead to the start of the Premier League season, while also being mindful of building a squad capable of competing in their return to the Champions League.
Nottingham Forest star Elliot Anderson has been heavily linked with a move to United this summer, as they look to strengthen their midfield options following the departure of Casemiro.
United have also agreed a deal to sign Atalanta star Ederson, with an initial fee worth £35million plus a further £3.8million in add-ons close to being completed.
While Anderson has been a player of interest, it’s Manchester City who have been leading the race to sign the England international this summer.
City had a bid rejected for Anderson, which included a verbal offer of £106million plus a further £15million in potential add-ons, and now the future of the former Newcastle player remains uncertain.
As a result, United are now expected to pursue other midfield targets and it remains to be seen which players could be next to move to Old Trafford.
Federico Valverde has been linked with a summer transfer to Manchester United.
Federico Valverde has been linked with a summer transfer to Manchester United.(Image: GSI/Icon Sport via Getty Images)
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Amid the uncertainty, former United striker Louis Saha has explained why Valverde could be an ideal alternative to Anderson.
"Man Utd need a balanced midfield,” Saha told Compare.bet. “You already have Kobbie Mainoo, who is a top player and seems to grow with confidence, but I still think we need something a bit more experienced, a bit more aggressive, and with a bit more 'legs' that could represent that dominance in midfield. It's extremely important.
“Federico Valverde would be everything the club needs. For any team to challenge for the Premier League title, you need a top level centre midfielder.
“They need to be aggressive and show leadership at the same time to really dominate in that midfield. That experience can't be replaced by youth and talent.
“That has been represented by Casemiro. He's not maybe the perfect player, but in this position, he's one of the best. And definitely, if United want to compete, they need that.”