Manchester United have been told a transfer move for Elliot Anderson from Premier League rivals Nottingham Forest would be well worth it ahead of the January window
Elliot Anderson in action
Elliot Anderson is understood to be a target for Man United boss Ruben Amorim
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Manchester United have been urged to seal a deal for Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson after being told he would be a "special" signing.
Ruben Amorim is understood to be in the market for a midfielder as Kobbie Mainoo has fallen out of favour with the Portuguese boss. Meanwhile, Casemiro is into the final year of his contract at Old Trafford and has yet to agree an extension.
United have been heavily linked with a move for the Nottingham Forest star following his impressive form this season. Manchester City are also reported to be interested in the 23-year-old midfielder, whose contract at the City Ground expires in June 2029.
It has claimed that Forest are unwilling to sell Anderson in the January transfer window, even if they receive offers of around £100million. However, reports have suggested suitors believe a fee or more than £80m could be sufficient to tempt club owner Evangelos Marinakis to change his mind.
Former Premier League striker Dean Saunders has now called for United to take the plunge and beat City to Anderson's signature. The ex-Wolves and Wrexham manager believes he could play a pivotal role in helping Amorim to take the club forward.
Speaking to BoyleSports, he said: "Elliot Anderson understands the position. He understands when he should go forward and who he's playing with. He doesn't give the ball away, which is a common trait among the best players I ever played with.
Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim
Dean Saunders reckons Anderson could be a key figure at Manchester United under Ruben Amorim
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"They've all got one thing in common - they don't give the ball away and he's one of them. He's getting better. Forest just needs to get a few more wins and get him up the league so he can play without the pressure being on him.
"Manchester United picked up another win at the weekend, which is keeping the wolves from the door. Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko, I think they're better than what they had. They've signed three good players there and adding Anderson to it would be special.
"Ruben Amorim has just got to keep surviving. He's just got to keep getting three points when he needs it and giving himself time to work this jigsaw puzzle out."
Clubs are understood to be queuing up to sign Anderson, who is highly regarded for his formidable displays since joining Forest just over a year ago. While a return to his old team Newcastle has been ruled out for financial reasons, Liverpool are also said to be keen on him.
Anderson's form has even seen him break into the England team, with boss Thomas Tuchel a big admirer. The German described Anderson as an "important" figure for the national side, despite only having earned six caps so far.
Speaking last month, Tuchel said: "Anderson is a key player for us at the moment. He is one of the best midfielders in the Premier League - that's why he is with us and starting for us. He deserves it because he has been nothing but impressive. He has to keep on going now though.
'He is a very complete and mobile midfielder, and that's what he keeps showing me. He is an elite player with the right attitude and a lot of talent. He is fulfilling his role in the best way possible so we are very happy with him."