Manchester United are preparing to begin club-to-club negotiations with Nottingham Forest for midfielder Elliot Anderson, according to reports. The move comes as new manager Michael Carrick looks to reshape United’s midfield, with Casemiro departing and Manuel Ugarte potentially being sold this summer.
Carrick, recently appointed as the permanent manager, will have significant input into the club’s transfer strategy, and Anderson is identified as a top priority target. While Manchester City are also interested in the 21-year-old, United are now poised to make a strong push to secure his signature.
Recent reports from Ben Jacobs indicate that Forest are now more open to offers for Anderson following their successful Premier League survival. Previously, their European involvement complicated potential negotiations. Forest are believed to value Anderson in excess of £100 million, citing recent high-profile transfers such as Declan Rice and Enzo Fernandez as benchmarks.
The potential fee would shatter Manchester United’s existing transfer record, currently held by Paul Pogba’s £89.3 million move in 2016. Evangelos Marinakis, the Forest owner, will personally oversee any potential exit. City are confident of agreeing personal terms with Anderson, but United’s offer of Champions League football and a substantial financial package could sway the decision.
Anderson enjoyed a productive season with Nottingham Forest, establishing himself as a key player in their midfield. He has also represented England at youth levels. The timing of the approach is considered opportune, with clubs now able to engage in direct talks with Forest. United have also compiled a shortlist of thirteen alternative midfield targets, but Anderson remains their primary focus. Securing Anderson would represent a significant statement of intent from the new managerial regime at Old Trafford and provide a long-term solution in midfield.
