Manchester City and Manchester United are both interested in signing Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson, GIVEMESPORT understands.
Anderson was already high in City's thinking prior to scoring the equaliser in Forest's 2-2 draw at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday night, while the England international is Manchester United's top midfield target for this summer.
Nottingham Forest refused to entertain offers in January, while Anderson did not agitate for a mid-season move, but with Forest in a relegation battle and potentially without European football next season, there is a strong chance the 23-year-old departs the City Ground after the 2026 World Cup.
Only One Thing Will Keep Elliot Anderson At Nottingham Forest This Summer
Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson applauds fans
Although Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis will fight to keep Anderson, Forest would likely have to win the Europa League and secure Champions League football for next campaign to convince Anderson to stay.
Anderson joined Forest from Newcastle United in summer 2024 for a fee of £35million and both Manchester clubs are willing to pay around double that price tag.
Forest have not named a price to any suitor, while reports have suggested a wide range of potential fees ranging from £80million to £120million.
GMS understands both Manchester clubs want to do a deal for significantly south of £100million. At this stage, the number at which Forest will do business is unclear since it will be influenced by both demand and what division Vitor Pereira's side are in next season.
City are currently stepping up their efforts as they seek a long-term successor to Rodri, whose current contract expires in summer 2027. And with Bernando Silva also set to leave the club at the end of this season, adding to central midfield is one of the top priorities this summer.
Manchester United Have A Shortlist Of Midfielders This Summer
carlos baleba
Manchester United want to add two senior midfielders this summer with both a defined six and a box-to-box eight areas being worked on. United still retain an interest in Brighton's Carlos Baleba, while other names considered include Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton and Newcastle United's Sando Tonali.
United also appreciate Chelsea's Andrey Santos, who came up in talks shortly before Alejandro Garnacho moved to Stamford Bridge last summer. However, the Blues have shown no willingness to entertain offers for the Brazilian midfielder, who is well-known to head coach Liam Rosenior.
Anderson, who has made 78 appearances for Forest and scored four goals, has other suitors in addition to the two Manchester clubs. Chelsea are monitoring his situation, but are currently well-stocked in the centre of the park.
Bayern Munich are another club who have been tracking Anderson throughout this season, but GMS understands he prefers to stay in England.
Return To Newcastle Is A No-Go
Who is Nottingham Forest's new signing Elliot Anderson
Suggestions Newcastle United could try and re-sign Anderson are currently premature. Club sources have downplayed Newcastle's ability to match the package other suitors are prepared to offer to both Forest and the player. However, should Newcastle lose Tonali or Bruno Guimarães this summer, there is no doubt they will be in market for another central midfielder.
Anderson did not want to leave his boyhood club, but accepted the move to Forest knowing Newcastle had to make the sale to satisfy PSR concerns.
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