Manchester United are unlikely to compete with Manchester City for Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson, despite having previously agreed personal terms with the player, according to reports from David Ornstein and Fabrizio Romano. The Red Devils have reportedly taken a dim view of the escalating costs associated with Anderson, and are now pursuing alternative midfield targets.
City submitted a bid of £121 million for Anderson earlier this week – £106 million plus £15 million in add-ons – but Forest rejected the offer, seeking a guaranteed fee exceeding £120 million to make him the most expensive midfielder in Premier League history. United are unwilling to engage in a bidding war and, crucially, understand Anderson preferred a move to the Etihad Stadium.
This shift in strategy may align with manager Michael Carrick’s preferences, with recent reports suggesting Italy international Sandro Tonali of Newcastle United was his primary midfield target. While INEOS, United’s new ownership group, initially favoured Anderson, the club is now pivoting towards Carrick’s preferred options.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has indicated that Manchester City may now turn their attention to Tonali as an alternative to Anderson. Romano reported on his YouTube channel that City have “really, really appreciated” Tonali and that the player is also of interest to Arsenal. The situation is fluid, with City yet to decide on their next move after having two bids rejected by Forest.
Newcastle, who value Tonali at around £100 million, could be forced to consider a sale despite recently securing funds from Anthony Gordon’s transfer to Barcelona. United are also considering moves for Mateus Fernandes of West Ham, Alex Scott of Bournemouth, and potentially revisiting Tonali, making the midfield situation dynamic and subject to change in the coming weeks.
