Our opinion on the latest Manchester United transfer gossip as the Reds and Manchester City lock horns over the signing of Nottingham Forest and England midfielder Elliot Anderson
Elliot Anderson has been linked with both United and City(Image: Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images)
Manchester United and Manchester City are expected to lock horns over some big names in the January transfer window. Ruben Amorim and Pep Guardiola are both said to be in the market for a new midfielder, and, naturally, there will be some overlap.
At Old Trafford, Kobbie Mainoo still faces an uncertain future, having fallen out of favour with the Portuguese boss. Meanwhile, Casemiro has entered the final year of his contract, and he’s yet to put pen to paper on new terms.
At the Etihad Stadium, Bernardo Silva finds himself in a similar position, with his deal set to expire in June. At the end of the season, Phil Foden, Mateo Kovacic, Rodri will each only have 12 months left on their contracts.
United and City could be in a sticky situation if they don’t splash the cash in January. So, with that being said, the Manchester Evening News has rounded up the latest news and transfer gossip.
United and City battle for Forest star
According to the Daily Mail, City are ready to launch a bid for Elliot Anderson. The 23-year-old midfielder has been heavily linked with numerous Premier League clubs this season, including United, following his impressive performances for Nottingham Forest.
The report claims that higher-ups at the Etihad Stadium are ‘big admirers’ of Anderson, whose contract at the City Ground expires in June 2029. It’s said that City have even had scouts in the East Midlands to monitor his development.
It is believed Forest will look to reject all advances from potential suitors in January, even they they receive bids in the region of £100m. The likes of City and United, among other English top-flight outfits, believe a fee in excess of £80m will be enough to sway owner Evangelos Marinakis.
Fortunately for Ruben Amorim, who’s in the market for a new midfielder, Pep Guardiola’s immediate priority is thought to be a winger. Antoine Semenyo, valued by Bournemouth at £65m, has been considered by City in what could lead to a sensational £165m double swoop.
The Manchester Evening News says: “I think Manchester City will go all out for Elliot Anderson in the summer, so Manchester United must act quickly in January. It was always going to be between the Nottingham Forest star and Carlos Baleba, and the latter has disappointed so far this term.”
Antoine Semenyo has shone for Bournemouth this year(Image: Getty Images)United plan to capitalise on Real Madrid fallout
According to The Daily Briefing, as quoted by Caught Offside, United have contacted the representatives of Vinicius Junior ahead of a potential move in the January transfer window. The 25-year-old winger faces a somewhat uncertain future at Real Madrid, having recently entered the final two years of his contract.
City are reportedly ‘likely’ to rival the Reds in the race for Vinicius Jr’s signature if he decides to leave the Santiago Bernabeu.
Contrary to reports in England, Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo has claimed the Brazil international has actually agreed to reduce his wage demands during talks over a new deal with Los Blancos.
The Manchester Evening News says: “I think Vinicius Jr will eventually sign a new deal at Real Madrid, unless Manchester United are prepared to splash the cash. The Brazilian, who has had quite the fall off since he missed out on the Ballon d’Or in 2024, needs Los Blancos more than Los Blancos needs him, so I can see him conceding ground in talks.”
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