Sam Matterface made an early transfer prediction while on commentary for ITV’s coverage of England last night.
The Three Lions oversaw a 4-2 win over Croatia in their group-stage opener, thanks to two second-half goals from Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford going unanswered.
After Mateo Kovacic replaced legend Luka Modric in the second half and began vying with Elliot Anderson, Matterface said: “Those two [Anderson and Kovacic] might be teammates in the not-so-distant future.”
Elliot Anderson: What’s the latest?
As things stand, it is looking as though that’ll be the case, with Anderson expected to be Etihad-bound by the end of the summer.
Despite Manchester United’s best efforts to persuade him to play a crucial role at the heart of Michael Carrick’s project in M16, the 23-year-old is favouring a switch to Manchester City instead.
The Blues, who will be navigating their first season without Pep Guardiola in a decade in 2026/2027, will be able to not only meet Nottingham Forest’s price demands, but also grant Anderson a lucrative wage package as an incentive to choose them.
That assist from Elliot. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/IUAAQHue26
— Nottingham Forest (@NFFC) June 17, 2026
Given speculation over the last month has made it clear City are frontrunners, United have turned their attention elsewhere.
If not Anderson, who else are United considering?
INEOS have already finalised a £39 million agreement for Atalanta’s Ederson, and have set their sights on a deal for West Ham’s Mateus Fernandes.
🚨 Manchester United reach agreement with Atalanta to sign Ederson. Price for 26yo midfielder €40.5m fixed + €4.5m of potential bonuses. Personal terms in place on 4+1yr deal. Must still do medical & all parties plan to complete early July @TheAthleticFC https://t.co/OgkmPEYVg7
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) June 2, 2026
The 21-year-old is keen on joining United – even amidst interest from Arsenal, Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid, and is valued in the region of £80-85m by the Irons.
There is even an opportunity for the Reds to complete a double-swoop for both Fernandes and his teammate Crysencio Summerville, who has been added to United’s shortlist in recent days.
Read more: European giants drop social media hint on Wednesday night that they want to sign £40m Man Utd star amid ongoing contact
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MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - MAY 03: Michael Carrick, Manager of Manchester United, celebrates victory following the Premier League match between Manchester United and Liverpool at Old Trafford on May 03, 2026 in Manchester, England.
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - MAY 17: Sir Jim Ratcliffe, CEO of INEOS group, Omar Berrada, CEO of Manchester United, and David Gill look on in the stands during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Nottingham Forest at Old Trafford on May 17, 2026 in Manchester, England.
BRENTFORD, ENGLAND - MAY 02: Mateus Fernandes of West Ham reacts during the Premier League match between Brentford and West Ham United at Gtech Community Stadium on May 02, 2026 in Brentford, England.
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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