Manchester United are preparing a late attempt to sign Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest, potentially derailing a deal that is reportedly well advanced with Manchester City, according to reports. The Red Devils are looking to overhaul their midfield this summer following the departure of Casemiro and with Manuel Ugarte transfer-listed, and have already secured a full agreement for Atalanta’s Ederson Silva.
Ederson, a three-cap Brazil international, has agreed to a five-year contract with United and prioritized a move to Old Trafford over other interested clubs. The transfer fee is expected to be around €45m / £38m, with discussions between the two clubs ongoing. United’s ambition doesn’t stop there, however, with manager Michael Carrick identifying Sandro Tonali of Newcastle United as a key target, though INEOS, the club’s new ownership group, reportedly favour Elliot Anderson.
Anderson, a 23-year-old England international, has already agreed personal terms with Manchester City, and the impending arrival of Enzo Maresca as manager is not expected to disrupt the transfer. Sources indicated on May 27th that talks between City and Forest were progressing rapidly, with a deal potentially concluding before the end of the month. Despite this, United are determined to make a ‘serious play’ to hijack the move, with Fabrizio Romano reporting that the club have been consistently in contact with Anderson’s representatives.
The i paper’s Pete Hall stated that insiders believe the City deal is advanced and Pep Guardiola’s departure will not impact it, but United intend to make a final push. Should United fail to secure Anderson, they have a shortlist of alternatives including Carlos Baleba, Aurelien Tchouameni, Tonali, and Adam Wharton. The pursuit of Anderson underscores the scale of the midfield rebuild underway at Old Trafford as the club prepares for the new season.
