Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson is one of the most in-demand players in the Premier League, with the battle for his signature likely to be fierce this summer
NOTTINGHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 15: Elliot Anderson of Nottingham Forest looks on during the Premier League match between Nottingham Forest and Fulham at City Ground on March 15, 2026 in Nottingham, England. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)
Man Utd are chasing the signing of Elliot Anderson this summer(Image: George Wood/Getty Images)
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Manchester United have been warned that Elliot Anderson could find the chance of returning to Newcastle even more appealing than a move to Old Trafford.
Anderson looks set to be at the centre of one of the summer’s big sagas, with the Nottingham Forest star valued at close to £100million. United and City are said to be interested in the midfielder, who is also poised for a huge summer with England at the World Cup.
United are desperate to overhaul their midfield at the end of the season, having done similar to their attacking options last summer. Casemiro has already confirmed he will be leaving the club at the end of his contract, while Manuel Ugarte could also be moved on.
Anderson is believed to be right at the top of United’s wishlist, along with his former Newcastle team-mate Sandro Tonali and Brighton star Carlos Baleba.
But Newcastle and England legend Chris Waddle thinks that a sensational move back to Newcastle could be even more tempting. Anderson left St James’ Park in 2024, with the Magpies desperate to raise funds to comply with PSR regulations.
And Waddle thinks the chance to go back could be too good to turn down. “Elliot Anderson is a Newcastle fan. He’s a Geordie.
“He probably couldn’t believe he got sold to Nottingham Forest in the first place but he’s enjoying his football, he’s in the England team, and it looks like he’ll be going to the World Cup,” he told FruityKing.
“He'll not be in a rush but the chance of going back to Newcastle? I'm sure he's always wanted to play in those black and white stripes and I'm sure he'll be up for it. But I think, again, there'll be a lot of competition.
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Waddle added: “I think he's on his game at the minute, let's be honest. He's playing well for Forest. He's consistent. Week in, week out he does a job, and so he's been in good form. You would think at his age, he'd only get better as he gets older. Most players do.
“There'll be a lot of teams eyeing him up so you'd have a lot to pick from if he does decide to leave Forest. Newcastle may just swing it because he’s a Newcastle fan.”
Anderson has insisted he isn’t giving his long-term club future any attention at present with his full focus on Forest’s battle against relegation, before the World Cup this summer.
Elliot Anderson of Newcastle United
Elliot Anderson left Newcastle for Nottingham Forest back in 2024(Image: Richard Sellers/Getty Images)
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He said: “Obviously we’ve got the World Cup this summer so all my eyes are on that. Playing for England, I’ve got the badge on now so that’s all I’m thinking about at the moment.”
Asked about the prospect of fighting for survival, before going for glory in North America, Anderson added: “Ultimately all the games are the same, I’m just going on the pitch and trying to give my best and fight for whatever strip I’ve got on. That’s all I’m doing.”