Manchester United are reportedly prepared to withdraw from the race to sign Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson, with the club unwilling to meet a potential £120m valuation. According to BBC reporter Simon Stone, United have made it clear they will not overpay for targets this summer, a stance that places a significant obstacle in any pursuit of the 23-year-old England international.
Anderson has emerged as one of the Premier League's most coveted midfielders following his £40m move from Newcastle United two years ago. His consistent performances have earned him a regular place in the England squad and made him a primary target for United as they seek to rebuild their engine room, particularly with Casemiro departing as a free agent. However, TEAMtalk sources indicate Anderson has long favoured a move to Manchester City, placing the Etihad Stadium as his most likely destination should he leave Forest.
The substantial price tag, cited by Stone as potentially reaching £120m, represents a major point of contention for United's new football operations under INEOS. The club's director of football, Jason Wilcox, is leading a recruitment drive focused on value and is determined to avoid the long-term, high-salary contracts that have hampered the squad in recent years. With United aiming to sign at least two new central midfielders this summer, such a fee for a single player is seen as prohibitive.
This development aligns with United's exploration of alternative options across Europe. The club has reportedly rekindled interest in Brighton's Carlos Baleba, though initial hopes of a £50m deal have been met with a reality check regarding his true cost. Stuttgart's Angelo Stiller and Atalanta's Ederson are also under consideration, as are domestic options like Newcastle's Sandro Tonali and Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton.
The news that a move for Anderson could be quashed would disappoint former United captain Gary Neville, who recently named the Forest star among his three realistic dream signings for the club this summer. Neville emphasised the squad's need for two midfield players and a top centre-half above all else in the upcoming window.
Anderson's situation remains fluid, with Nottingham Forest's secure Premier League status strengthening their negotiating position. His involvement in Forest's Europa League semi-final against Aston Villa this week underscores his current importance to the club. For Manchester United, the pursuit now appears to be shifting towards more financially manageable targets as they begin a critical summer of squad restructuring.
