Manchester United are eyeing midfield reinforcements with Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson and Newcastle's Sandro Tonali both linked to Old Trafford
Jake Bayliss Senior Sports Writer and Neil Docking
07:49, 31 Mar 2026Updated 07:53, 31 Mar 2026
Michael Carrick
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Manchester United could sign two midfielders for Michael Carrick this summer - if he remains in charge at Old Trafford(Image: Manchester United via Getty Images)
Manchester United have been given an opportunity to reflect during the international break as attention has shifted to the club's preparations for the summer transfer window.
The team's impressive streak under interim manager Michael Carrick has placed United firmly in the hunt to secure Champions League qualification, sitting six points clear of Liverpool in fifth. Their resurgence under Carrick and potential return to Europe's premier club competition make the club an increasingly appealing prospect for players.
Midfield is an area United will look to prioritise in the transfer market as Casemiro is poised to depart in the summer. Nottingham Forest and England midfielder Elliot Anderson is among those who have been linked as his potential successor at Old Trafford. Newcastle United star Sandro Tonali is another of the club's rumoured midfield targets. Here's all the latest news from Old Trafford.
Casemiro is leaving Manchester United in the summer and a replacement is needed
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Casemiro is leaving Manchester United in the summer and a replacement is needed(Image: Ash Donelon, Manchester United via Getty Images)
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Elliot Anderson addresses future
Anderson has responded to a question about his future at Forest while on England duty, reports the Mirror,
The 23-year-old has established himself as a crucial member of the Three Lions squad under Thomas Tuchel and has answered whether the transfer speculation has proved a distraction as he seeks to solidify his place in the team.
He said: "We've obviously got the World Cup this summer, so all my eyes are on that and playing for England. I've obviously got the badge on now, so that's what I'm thinking about at the moment."
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(Image: PA)
It has previously been reported that Forest have slapped an £80million valuation on Anderson, who has also been linked with Manchester City. He has received widespread praise for his displays this season, despite Forest battling against Premier League relegation.
Anderson's immediate priority will be featuring in England's forthcoming clash with Japan on Tuesday. He was absent from the squad's 1-1 stalemate with Uruguay last week, as Tuchel opted for an experimental side.
Having observed Jordan Henderson and James Garner get the nod in his role, Anderson said: "We're all sort of competing with each other but we're all really good mates within the group, so there's definitely a great balance, the competitiveness is definitely there and we're really enjoying it."
Sandro Tonali update
Sandro Tonali of Newcastle warming up
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Sandro Tonali continues to be the subject of speculation(Image: PA)
Newcastle United are said to be relaxed about their prospects of retaining Sandro Tonali. The Italy international has been the subject of considerable transfer rumours and has been linked with a switch to Old Trafford.
ChronicleLive has reported Newcastle remain composed regarding Tonali's future. The-25 year-old has a deal that extends until 2029, with the option for an additional year.
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However, it's reported that the Magpies are irked with the player's representative, Giuseppe Riso, who has publicly entertained the idea of his client departing the club. He is expected to command a fee in excess of £80m.
In a previous conversation about Tonali with Italian press, he pondered: "If he shines at the World Cup, will City or Arsenal be hot on his heels?
"I don't know, but it's very likely. Everyone is waiting for the World Cup; then a thousand scenarios will unfold, but it all kicks off after the World Cup."