Elliot Anderson to Man Utd remains on with huge €115m development

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Matthew Judge | Editor

Manchester United are not giving up hope of signing Elliot Anderson and remain optimistic of beating fierce rivals Manchester City to the England midfielder’s signature, according to The Guardian.

Widespread reports have indicated United have made strengthening their midfield a priority this summer, with The Athletic claiming a host of targets are being monitored including Real Madrid’s Aurelien Tchouameni, Brighton and Hove Albion’s Carlos Baleba and Newcastle United’s Sandro Tonali.

The same publication understands United are also running the rule over Bournemouth's Alex Scott and Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton, while Michael Carrick's side have agreed a €40.5million (£35m) deal to sign Atalanta and Brazil midfielder Ederson.

STATS

Elliot Anderson

M, DM (C)

N. Forest

Elliot Anderson

M, DM (C)

N. Forest

All Tournaments

2025/26

• 50

  Games

• 4

  Goals

• 5

  Assists

View all stats

However, BBC Sport understands Nottingham Forest star Anderson remains United’s dream summer signing, though the 23-year-old is believed to be leaning towards a big-money move to managerless Man City instead.

City, who BBC Sport claim are in advanced talks with Chelsea over naming Enzo Maresca as their new head coach, had an opening bid rejected for Anderson last week, according to various sources.

And while City appear to be the frontrunners to land Anderson, The Guardian understands United officials are convinced they can still complete a deal in the region of €115million (£100m).

Anderson is regarded as one of the finest midfielders around

Anderson has established himself as one of the Premier League’s best midfielders over the last 10 months, playing a huge role in helping Forest avoid relegation and starring in England’s World Cup qualifying campaign.

The former Newcastle man, who is comfortable operating as a No. 6 for England and a No. 8 for Forest, won more ground duels (231) than any other player in the Premier League last season - a key statistic as United aim to sign a midfielder who can cover the ground ahead of the 2026-27 season.

A separate report in The Telegraph, however, understands Anderson could cost up to €133m (£115m) as Forest seek a similar fee to the one Brighton received when selling Moises Caicedo to Chelsea in 2023.

Anderson is expected to start in England’s World Cup opener against Croatia on Wednesday, 17 June before Thomas Tuchel’s men lock horns with Ghana on Tuesday, 23 June. The Three Lions will wrap up their Group L obligations against Panama four days later.

Man Utd also keeping tabs on West Ham's Fernandes

Meanwhile The Guardian also claims United are continuing to monitor West Ham United’s Mateus Fernandes, with the €92m-rated (£80m) midfielder having also attracted interest from Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain.

Fernandes, who was a shining light in an otherwise torrid 2025-26 season for the Hammers, is thought to be available this summer after Nuno Espirito Santo’s side were relegated to the Championship.