Manchester United have conceded defeat to arch-rivals City in the race to sign Elliott Anderson.
United had targeted the Nottingham Forest midfielder as one of their main targets in the summer. However, United’s leaders have no intention of meeting the asking price of around £100m.
United also understand Anderson wants to join City rather than them. City are understood to be increasingly confident of signing Anderson despite manager Josep Guardiola’s recent departure.
Enzo Maresca is tipped to replace Guardiola at the Etihad and has given his approval to sign the 23-year-old Andersson.
United are unlikely to look elsewhere to strengthen their midfield for next season.
read more: Manchester United told to spend big on Casemiro’s replacement as finalist of five candidates drawn upread more: Elliott Anderson despises Manchester United as arch-rivals as £65m move approaches
Adam Wharton, Carlos Beraba and Real Madrid duo Aurelien Choameni and Federico Valverde remain potential targets. United are considering a surprise move for Alexis Mac Allister, but it is understood that a deal with Liverpool is highly unlikely.
City are keen to secure Anderson’s place before heading to the World Cup with England. But Forest know Anderson’s value will increase further if he succeeds in the tournament with the Three Lions.
If Anderson decides to move up to a bigger club, Forest will not stand in his way this summer.
Anderson starred for Forest this season (Image: Nigel French/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images)
Anderson, who won the 2025 European Under-21 Championship with England last summer, joined Forest from Newcastle in 2024 for £35m.
He continues to establish himself as one of the Premier League’s best midfielders and is expected to start England’s opening group match against Croatia at the World Cup in Dallas.
Last weekend’s game against Bournemouth was his 50th appearance of the season and Forest fans gave him a standing ovation.
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