Elliot Anderson is focusing on his football as Manchester United and Manchester City are due to lock horns in a bidding war for the Nottingham Forest midfielder
Matthew Abbott
15:30, 27 Feb 2026
Elliot Anderson looking down during a Nottingham Forest match
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Nottingham Forest star Elliot Anderson is wanted by Manchester City and Manchester United(Image: Getty Images)
Manchester City and Manchester United will reportedly go head-to-head in the race to secure Elliot Anderson 's signature this summer.
The Daily Star reports that both clubs have pinpointed the England and Nottingham Forest midfielder as a key transfer target.
Following his £35 million switch from Newcastle United to Forest in 2024, Anderson has established himself among Europe's finest midfield talents.
The 23-year-old has now become a regular fixture in the England set-up - and is due to play a significant role for Thomas Tuchel at the World Cup this summer.
City and United are both keen to strengthen their midfield options during the summer window - and look set to engage in a transfer tussle for the midfielder valued at £75m.
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Nevertheless, with the World Cup kicking off in June, it is unclear whether either side can complete a transfer beforehand.
Anderson would ideally like his future resolved before departing for the tournament; however, he's aware that his market value could rise even further should he play a pivotal role in England's campaign in North America.
Anderson accepts that Forest could face the drop this season, and whatever happens, he will have his pick of top-tier clubs and believes he's ready to make the step up.
United must secure Champions League football to have any realistic chance of outbidding City for Anderson's signature.
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Forest will have little choice but to sell Anderson should they suffer relegation to the Championship.
Anderson has refused to discuss his future and remains focused on helping Forest preserve their top-flight status.
Speaking at a press conference to preview the Reds' Europa League play-off second leg with Fenerbahce, he said: "I'm just focusing on my football at the moment and performing and trying to give everything for Nottingham Forest, really, so that's all that's on my mind.
"It's been a big two years. I think I've done pretty well, to be honest, in the time I've been here, on and off the pitch.
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"I think I've matured as a person as well. Thanks to the club, really, for giving me that platform, going out there and playing and letting me do my stuff."
Anderson added: "Obviously, in players' careers, you never know where you're going to be. Moving from your hometown is a big step in your career.
"And it was definitely something that I needed to do, and it has turned out really well. So I was happy I made that step."