Elliot Anderson to join Manchester City
Image Credits: Imago Images
Manchester United’s midfield rebuild has been one of the club’s biggest priorities heading into the new season.
The Red Devils have already moved quickly in the market, reaching an agreement to sign Ederson from Atalanta, while several other names continue to be linked with a switch to Old Trafford.
Michael Carrick’s side are expected to add further reinforcements in the middle of the park, particularly following Casemiro’s departure and the uncertainty surrounding Manuel Ugarte’s future.
However, not every target remains realistically attainable.
One player who has been heavily linked with Manchester United throughout recent months now appears destined for a different destination.
Elliot Anderson closing in on Manchester City move
According to the Daily Mail, Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson is closing in on a move to Manchester City after the Premier League champions stepped up their pursuit.
The report states that Forest have already rejected two offers from City, with the latest proposal worth an initial £106 million plus a further £15 million in performance-related bonuses.
Despite the enormous figure, Forest are said to be standing firm on their valuation.
It was previously revealed that the Midlands club are demanding a package worth around £130 million, consisting of £110 million guaranteed and another £20 million in add-ons.
Should a deal eventually be completed at those figures, Elliot Anderson would become one of the most expensive footballers in history, trailing only the transfers of Neymar and Kylian Mbappe.
Forest have reportedly informed interested parties that any sale would require a guaranteed fee that exceeds the current British transfer record.
That stance has effectively ended Manchester United’s involvement.
While United had admired Anderson and viewed him as a potential solution to their midfield needs, the club have no intention of matching Forest’s extraordinary demands.
Reports suggest United were unwilling to entertain figures anywhere close to the £100 million mark, particularly with the overall valuation potentially rising beyond £115 million as negotiations continue.
As a result, the club have now withdrawn from the race altogether.
Anderson had emerged as one of several midfielders being monitored by United’s recruitment department, alongside players such as Mateus Fernandes, Carlos Baleba, Sandro Tonali and Alex Scott.
His impressive performances for Forest over the past two seasons had attracted interest from across the Premier League, but the financial realities of any deal have ultimately pushed Manchester United away.
The latest developments leave Manchester City as overwhelming favourites to secure the 23-year-old’s signature.
Barring a dramatic late twist, Anderson is now expected to take the next step in his career at the Etihad Stadium rather than Old Trafford.
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