Manchester City lead Manchester United in race for Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson
Manchester City are in pole position to sign Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson this summer, according to a report from Sky Sports. The Premier League champions are said to be increasingly confident of beating rivals Manchester United to the 23-year-old's signature, with sources suggesting the player is 'destined' for the Etihad Stadium. Relationships between City and Forest are described as 'excellent', which could facilitate a deal.
Anderson is expected to leave Nottingham Forest, particularly if the club suffers relegation from the Premier League. His performances for a struggling side have attracted attention from several elite clubs, establishing him as one of the most sought-after domestic talents likely to be available in the upcoming transfer window. City hope to finalise an agreement before the 2026 World Cup, aware that a strong tournament for Thomas Tuchel's England side could see his valuation soar beyond €100 million.
The report also indicates that Manchester City's interest extends beyond Anderson, potentially dealing a double blow to their cross-city rivals. Sky Sports notes that City have added forwards Eli Kroupi of Bournemouth and RB Leipzig's Yan Diomande to their shortlist, both of whom are also targets for Manchester United. Kroupi has scored 11 goals in his debut Premier League season, while Diomande, a coveted wonderkid, could command a fee close to €100 million.
In a separate development, Jadon Sancho has given his approval to join Borussia Dortmund this summer, according to journalist Florian Plettenberg. The Manchester United winger, currently on loan at Aston Villa, will see his contract at Old Trafford expire, with the club opting not to trigger a one-year extension following his disappointing €85 million move from Dortmund in 2021. Sancho is said to have held talks with the German club, and while he has other offers, a return to Signal Iduna Park for a third stint is now a possibility.
Arsenal have rekindled their interest in Sporting CP right-back Ivan Fresneda, as reported by The Sun. The Gunners are monitoring the market for a potential replacement for Ben White, whom they are expected to listen to offers for. Fresneda, previously scouted by Arsenal before his move to Portugal in 2023, has an €80 million release clause, but Sporting may be open to a lower fee with two years remaining on his contract.
Elsewhere, Liverpool and Chelsea have entered the race for Manchester City goalkeeper James Trafford, as per GOAL. The 23-year-old England international, re-signed by City from Burnley last summer for €30 million, is keen to depart in search of regular first-team football following the arrival of Gianluigi Donnarumma. Aston Villa and Newcastle United are also expected to pursue the goalkeeper, potentially sparking a bidding war.
