Manchester United have conceded defeat to arch-rivals City in the race to sign Elliott Anderson. United have identified the England international and Nottingham Forest midfielder as one of their main targets this summer. However, United’s leaders are unwilling to meet an offer of around £100m.
Furthermore, United believe Anderson would prefer a move to City. Despite manager Josep Guardiola’s recent departure, City remain increasingly bullish on signing Anderson. Enzo Maresca is set to replace Guardiola at the Etihad and has backed the signing of the 23-year-old Anderson.
United will look elsewhere to strengthen their midfield for next season.
Adam Wharton, Carlos Beraba and Real Madrid’s pair of Aurelien Choameny and Federico Valverde remain potential targets. United are also considering a surprise approach for Alexis Mac Allister, but they are aware that negotiating a contract with Liverpool would be extremely difficult.
Additionally, United are reportedly close to signing Atalanta midfielder Ederson, who is valued at £43 million from the Italian club.
City hope to complete the deal before Anderson departs for the World Cup with England. However, Forest are well aware that if Anderson performs well in the tournament against the Three Lions, his market value will increase significantly.
If Anderson chooses to move up to a bigger club this summer, Forest will not stand in the way of his exit.
Anderson, who won the 2025 European Under-21 Championship with England last summer, joined Forest from Newcastle in 2024 for £35m.
He has since established himself as one of the best midfielders in the Premier League and is expected to start in England’s group opener against Croatia at the World Cup in Dallas.
Last weekend’s game against Bournemouth marked his 50th appearance of the season and Forest supporters gave him a standing ovation.
