Manchester United they will miss out on Elliot Anderson after news that Manchester City “have made contact” about a giant signing.
Manchester United’s worst fears seem to have come true when it comes to the acquisition of their primary midfield target, Elliot Anderson. Their bitter rivals, Manchester City, have already “made contact” about a lucrative deal.
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The transfer rush in the Premier League is picking up again, and Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson is firmly at the centre of intense speculation. While the winter window looks set to close without a transfer for the 23-year-old England international, attention has turned to what could be one of the most hotly contested transfers in the upcoming window.
Several sources indicate that Manchester City are preparing a powerful attack to secure Anderson’s signature, and manager Pep Guardiola is said to be a big admirer of the versatile central midfielder. There were signals of City’s clear interest in the player as recently as last week.
Manchester City’s recruitment team, including sporting director Hugo Viana, have closely followed Anderson’s development at the City Ground, where he has established himself as a key figure.
Indeed, insiders suggest that Guardiola sees Anderson as an ideal match for his tactical system – capable of operating as a deep-lying playmaker or a box-to-box number 8 – with the technical quality and composure needed to thrive in high-possession environments. Manchester City have already contacted Anderson’s representatives.
This has sparked significant concern among rival stakeholders, particularly Manchester United, who have identified the former Newcastle United academy product as a top option in their planned midfield overhaul.
United are actually aiming for more reinforcements in central midfield, with Anderson high on the list along with Brighton’s Carlos Baleba who could quickly slip away as well.
City’s advantages scare United regarding Anderson
United’s concern stems from City’s perceived advantages: their renowned success story, Champions League pedigree and the enticing aspect of working under one of football’s most respected tacticians.
Some sources even claim that Anderson himself is interested in a move to the Etihad, with rumours that he sees no better opportunity to elevate his career. This has led to assessments from rival clubs that, if City deliver a competitive bid, they will go in as clear favourites.
Nottingham Forest, however, hold a strong hand. Anderson is tied to a long-term contract until 2029, giving the club the leverage to demand a significant sum. Estimates range from £80 million to over £100 million, with some sources suggesting that the price could rise further if Anderson excels for England in the upcoming World Cup finals.
Forest have repeatedly expressed no interest in a January sale, stressing their desire to keep key players in their fight for a stable Premier League position.
Other clubs, including Chelsea and Bayern Munich, remain in the picture, but the narrative increasingly frames this as a potential City-United showdown. With City’s midfield needing fresh legs to complement stars like Rodri (as he returns to full form), Anderson represents a strategic long-term investment.
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