Manchester United look set for a big summer transfer window with a U-turn in a deal that could cost £100m as Michael Carrick overhauls his midfield options
Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has approved a major summer move (Image: (Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images))
Sir Jim Ratcliffe is keen to meet Elliot Anderson’s salary requirements as Manchester United are believed to continue to compete with Manchester City for the player’s achievements. With Nottingham Forest’s hefty £100m valuation and City’s strong pursuit, the Old Trafford bosses initially accepted defeat and looked for an alternative midfield target.
Atalanta’s Ederson quickly became their priority and a £38 million deal was subsequently completed for the Brazil international, who was called up for the second half of the World Cup. A second midfield signing is currently being considered, with West Ham United star Matheus Fernandes, Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton and Brighton’s Carlos Baleva all attracting interest.
Despite this, the Guardian reports that United remain determined to sign Anderson, with club bosses saying they are optimistic they can land Anderson in exchange for City. It has been suggested that Sir Jim intends to meet Anderson’s wage demands, despite the significant expenditure required.
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The 23-year-old currently earns £100,000-a-week at the City Ground and would see a 50 per cent increase if he joins any Manchester team. City have already made an offer, which has been rejected, and are now preparing a second offer of more than £80m, which is still far short of Forest’s valuation.
Anderson’s impressive performance at the World Cup with England could make them want more. He is expected to line up in midfield alongside Declan Rice for the Three Lions’ group stage opener against Croatia.
United star Koby Mynou is likely to be the main substitute for both players, while Marcus Rashford is locked in a tussle with Anthony Gordon over the left winger. The former remains determined to secure a permanent move to Barcelona and has therefore rejected potential moves to Arsenal, Newcastle United, Tottenham and most recently German champions Bayern Munich.
Manchester United believe they can beat Man City to sign Elliott Anderson from Nottingham Forest (Image: Getty Images)
Rashford has not played for United for 18 months, but potential replacements for Rashford are being considered within the squad. Everton’s Iliman Ndiaye has been mentioned as a target in recent weeks, with Yann Diomande also considered, but it seems likely that if he leaves RB Leipzig he will join either Paris Saint-Germain or Liverpool.
Like Anderson, Diomande’s World Cup flash could impact his future with Ivory Coast, where they face Ecuador, Germany and Curaçao.
United appeared poised to avoid such a challenge by signing Ederson, but he was selected by manager Carlo Ancelotti to replace the injured Wesley.
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