Elliot Anderson insists Manchester United never came close to signing him
Elliot Anderson insists he never came close to a move to Old Trafford despite the attempts of some Manchester United players to persuade him while he was on holiday.
The 23-year-old became the most expensive British player in history when his £116million move to City from Nottingham Forest was announced in June during the World Cup before that deal was eclipsed last month by the £117m Chelsea paid Aston Villa for Morgan Rogers.
United had been reported to have made Anderson their primary transfer target at the end of last season before pulling out of the race for his signature.
Anderson was introduced to fans at the Etihad Stadium club store on Wednesday alongside latest signing Geronimo Rulli, plus Marc Guehi and Gianluigi Donnarumma.
When asked about his conversations with some United players on holiday, Anderson said: “I was just golfing in Portugal and bumped into a few and had a nice chat and stuff like that, but I had a decision to make and I chose City.”
Asked if United came close to persuading him to move to Old Trafford, Anderson replied: “No.”
Elliot Anderson sealed his move to Manchester City earlier in the summer (Getty)
Harry Latham-Coyle13 August 2026 05:00
Manchester City sign World Cup winner as new back-up goalkeeper
Manchester City have signed Geronimo Rulli as their cut-price replacement for James Trafford.
The Argentina international has joined for £1.7m from Marseille after City sold Trafford to Leeds for a fee rising to £45m.
Rulli, who will be Gianluigi Donnarumma’s deputy this season, has signed a two-year deal as he has returned to the Etihad Stadium.
The 34-year-old was first bought by City in 2016, though he never played for them as he was first loaned to Real Sociedad before joining them permanently.
Harry Latham-Coyle13 August 2026 04:00
Everton striker charged by FA after placing 61 alleged bets on matches
The 20-year-old, who moved from the Netherlands to join the Toffees academy at the age of 13, is accused of placing 61 bets over a 16-month period.
“It’s alleged that the player breached FA Rule E1.2 in respect of 61 bets placed on football matches between 20 November, 2024 and 12 February, 2026,” said an FA statement.
Will Castle13 August 2026 03:00
Chelsea sign Marc Cucurella replacement as full-back Pep Chavarria arrives on five-year deal
Pep Chavarria has joined Chelsea from Rayo Vallecano on a five-year contract for a fee understood by the Press Association to be £16.3 million plus £1.7m in add-ons.
An agreement was finalised last week for the 28-year-old to move to Stamford Bridge as the club’s squad overhaul continues under new manager Xabi Alonso.
The left-sided defender, who featured in last season’s Conference League final against Crystal Palace, is expected to battle with Jorrel Hato for the left full-back role following Marc Cucurella’s departure to Real Madrid.
Harry Latham-Coyle13 August 2026 02:00
DONE DEAL! Romelu Lukaku joins Fenerbahce
Belgium striker Romelu Lukaku has joined Fenerbahce from Napoli.
Will Castle13 August 2026 01:00
Youri Tielemans reveals he nearly joined Manchester United twice before
It was third time lucky for Youri Tielemans when he joined Manchester United last month.
As a deal to buy Brazil midfielder Ederson stalled, the Red Devils activated a £35m release clause to sign Tielemans from Aston Villa – but the move might have happened years ago for a player previously linked with United several times.
United reportedly considered Tielemans in the summer of 2019 as his loan spell at Leicester from Monaco ended but he instead joined the Foxes permanently. Tielemans was linked with United again in both 2022 and 2023.
Speaking at United’s pre-season training camp in County Kildare, the Belgium international said there had been direct talks in the past.
“There have been two times that I spoke with the club, but it didn’t (come) to anything, so I was just very calm about it,” Tielemans said.
Asked if he thought his opportunity to join United had passed, Tielemans added: “No, listen, I am very calm about it. When a move comes up, then if it needs to happen, it will happen.
“At the times that I have been linked with the club before, it did not happen, but it is what it is. I just keep working, keep doing my thing on the pitch and then it happens.”
Belgium’s Youri Tielemans signed for Manchester United last month (PA Archive)
Harry Latham-Coyle13 August 2026 00:01
Celtic have signed Egypt winger Haissem Hassan from Spanish club Real Oviedo, subject to international clearance.
The 24-year-old, who impressed at this summer’s World Cup, joins the Scottish champions on a four-year deal, with the option of a further 12 months.
Will Castle12 August 2026 23:30
Bruno Guimaraes makes Arsenal debut in friendly
Bruno Guimaraes made his Arsenal bow in their 1-1 draw against Como, which they won on penalties.
The £75m man came on at half-time to the adulation of the Emirates.
(Reuters)
Will Castle12 August 2026 23:00
Atletico agree deal to sign Cristian Romero
Atletico Madrid have agreed a deal in principle with Tottenham to sign Cristian Romero, according to Sky Sports.
The package is in the region of £34.2m with add-ons, with a 15 percent sell-on clause set to be included.
Arsenal and Inter Milan have also been linked with the Argentinian.
(Getty)
Will Castle12 August 2026 22:40
Amanda Staveley to explore buying London Stadium if West Ham takeover goes through
Amanda Staveley would explore purchasing the London Stadium if she is successful in buying a significant stake in West Ham, according to The Times.
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan says he is open to “any discussions” on the matter, with West Ham currently tenants of the ground.
The stadium, built for the 2012 Olympics, could be available for as little as £50m given how much it is paid by the taxpayer.
(Getty)
Flo Clifford12 August 2026 22:00