30 Apr 2026 09:01 BST |
4 min read
Manchester United have reportedly decided they will not enter a bidding war for Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson this summer amid significant competition from fierce rivals Manchester City.
The Red Devils have earmarked Anderson as their primary target for the upcoming summer transfer window, as they look to sign at least two new central midfielders, but a deal remains extremely complicated.
Anderson, 23, has enjoyed an excellent season at the City Ground and he is widely expected to partner Declan Rice in the middle of the park for England at this summer’s World Cup after establishing himself as a regular under Thomas Tuchel.
The former Newcastle United star has been identified as Man Utd’s preferred replacement for Casemiro, who will depart Old Trafford on a Bosman deal in July, but they are unwilling to enter into a bidding war for his signature when the window opens.
That is according to ESPN, who report that Nottingham Forest have set their asking price for the England midfielder at roughly €140 million.
Man Utd officials view this figure as “vastly inflated” and they have no intention of initiating a battle with Man City, which could drive the price up even further.
It’s reported that Man Utd want to sign their top midfield signing for around €100m, using funds raised through player sales, while the remainder of their summer transfer budget will be saved for another midfielder, a left winger and potentially a new defender.
The Red Devils have reportedly identified the likes of Carlos Baleba, Aurelien Tchouameni and Sandro Tonali as alternative targets to Anderson if a move for the Nottingham Forest star is deemed to be out of reach financially.
Analysis: How much is Elliot Anderson worth?
While Nottingham Forest are set to demand a fee of €140m for Anderson, this far exceeds his current Estimated Transfer Value (ETV), which stands at just €52.4m.
As a result, Man Utd’s stance regarding his price tag is absolutely correct, although Forest are unlikely to budge as his contract at the club isn’t due to expire until 2029.
Anderson is also yet to agitate for a move, while a transfer to Man City feels far more likely than a Man Utd switch as things stand, with Pep Guardiola’s side eager to secure the signing of a new central midfielder following confirmation that Bernardo Silva will depart this summer.
Chelsea superstar Enzo Fernandez has been added to their radar in recent weeks too, amid his uncertain long-term future at Stamford Bridge, although Real Madrid have also been heavily touted to pursue a deal for the Argentina international when the summer window opens.
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