Elliot Anderson ready to snub Man Utd

Tom Weber

• 24 Jan 2026 10:01 CST
• 3 min read

News

There is a "growing belief" that Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson will snub Manchester United in favour of joining Manchester City, according to a report.

The England star has become one of the Premier League's most sought-after commodities this season. Man Utd, Man City and Chelsea have all been linked with a move for Anderson in recent months.

The 23-year-old is understood to feature prominently on Man Utd's shortlist of midfield targets, alongside Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton and Brighton ace Carlos Baleba. Some reports have suggested that Anderson is the undisputed top target for the Old Trafford club.

It is believed that Anderson may be the most affordable of the three in the summer due to his "complicated" contract at Nottingham Forest. While he does not have a standard release clause, it is thought that there are mechanisms in his deal that allow him to move for a reasonable price.

Naturally, though, this is only increasing the competition for his signature, and Man City in particular look determined to rival Man Utd. Unlike the aforementioned Baleba, Anderson does not have his heart set on a move to the Red Devils - and this is a problem.

City to win Anderson race?

It was recently suggested that if given the choice between Man Utd and Man City, Anderson would choose the latter and that talks have already been held. The i Paper has now produced a similar report, claiming that there is a "growing belief" that the England star is favouring a move to the Etihad.

It is asserted that the Red Devils' chances of signing the 23-year-old appear to be quite slim, as he is simply much more attracted to a move to their local rivals. Baleba and Wharton, on the other hand, seem to be fair game.

As mentioned, Baleba has already had his head turned by Man Utd and would jump at the chance to make the move to Old Trafford. Wharton, too, would be open to joining the club.

Ultimately, the picture will only become clearer once the summer window draws near. There is still a lot to play for this season, and the coming months will determine the price and level of competition Man Utd will face for Wharton and Baleba.

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