Manchester United are likely to pursue a new defensive midfielder next year, according to The Times.
The Red Devils primarily focused on bolstering their attack last summer, and the focus could turn to the midfield department in future transfer windows.
The Times report that the club are keeping tabs on Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson, who has been flourishing over the past 18 months.
United view him as a replacement for Casemiro, who could leave on a free transfer next summer.
The Brazilian has had a new lease of life under manager Ruben Amorim this campaign, but he will turn 34 in February, and an extension is not on the cards.
United have the option to extend his £ 350,000-per-week deal for another 12 months, but that seems unlikely at the moment.
Saudi Arabian clubs are ready to offer more lucrative contracts to the former Real Madrid man.
Anderson has been earmarked as a potential successor, but he won’t come on the cheap with Forest likely to demand as much as £100 million for a sale.
United are unlikely to make a winter approach for the 23-year-old, and Forest likewise have no plans of contemplating his sale until the season ends.
Anderson would be a proper upgrade for the no.6 role
The midfielder has made huge strides since joining Forest from the Magpies for £35m in 2024.
He played a huge role in the centre of the park for the Tricky Trees last season as they qualified for European football after a prolonged absence of 29 years.
Forest are languishing near the drop zone in the Premier League this term, but Anderson has still flourished with several stand-out performances thus far.
Compared to last season, Anderson has improved in almost every statistic. He averages 67 passes per league appearance with an impressive 87 percent success rate.
The midfielder only completed 29 passes per outing last term.
Looking at the defensive statistics, Anderson has won 7.5 duels per game with 8.4 recoveries and 2.6 tackles. He has been sublime with his work rate and high pressing.
Anderson, valued at £40m by Transfermarkt, would be a proper upgrade on Casemiro for United.
Brighton & Hove Albion’s Carlos Baleba seemed the prime target last summer, but the Cameroonian star has experienced a significant dip in form over recent months.
The 21-year-old has won only 3.4 duels per game with 3.6 recoveries and 1.1 tackles. He averages 21 passes and has probably been hampered by the speculation.
Hence, it is unsurprising that United are now prioritising a move for Anderson over him.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com