Manchester United have conceded defeat to bitter rivals City in the race to sign Elliot Anderson.
United had targeted the England and Nottingham Forest midfielder as one of their main summer targets. But United bosses are not willing to meet the asking price of around £100m.
While United are also of the understanding Anderson would prefer to join City instead of them. It’s understood City remain increasingly confident of landing Anderson, despite Pep Guardiola’s recent departure.
Enzo Maresca is expected to replace Guardiola at the Etihad, and has given his seal of approval to the signing of 23-year-old Anderson.
United will not turn their attentions elsewhere in their bid to sign midfield reinforcements ahead of next season.
Adam Wharton, Carlos Belaba and Real Madrid duo Aurelien Tchouameni and Federico Valverde remain possible targets. While United have considered a shock move for Alexis Mac Allister, but know striking a deal with Liverpool is highly unlikely.
City would like to secure the services of Anderson before he heads to the World Cup with England. But Forest know Anderson’s value will increase further, should he have a successful tournament with the Three Lions.
Forest will not stand in Anderson’s way this summer, if he decided to make the step up to a bigger club.
Anderson has starred for Forest this season(Image: Nigel French/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images)
Anderson, who won the 2025 European U21 Championship with England last summer, joined Forest from Newcastle in 2024 for £35m.
He has gone on to establish himself as one of the best midfielders in the Premier League – and is expected to start England’s opening group game at the World Cup against Croatia 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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