Manchester United have reportedly withdrawn from the pursuit of Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson as the valuation for the 23-year-old approaches British record levels. The decision marks a shift in strategy for the Old Trafford recruitment team, now led by INEOS, following increasingly aggressive bidding from Manchester City.
While United hold long-standing admiration for the England international, they are unwilling to engage in a bidding war for a player who is understood to prefer a move to the Etihad Stadium.
The financial scale of the deal has escalated rapidly in the last 48 hours. Manchester City has already submitted a verbal proposal worth £106 million guaranteed, with potential add-ons taking the total package beyond £120 million.
Despite this, Nottingham Forest is reportedly holding out for a fee that would shatter the current British transfer record of £125 million, set when Liverpool signed Alexander Isak last summer. Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis is thought to be seeking up to £130 million for the midfielder.
BBC Sport’s Simon Stone reported that Manchester United is “not pursuing Elliot Anderson any further as it stands.” Stone noted the club is “only wanting players who are keen to join and having no wish to get involved in a bidding war with Manchester City” for the Forest star.
This disciplined stance suggests a move toward more targeted spending under the current sporting leadership. It follows reports that United prioritize eighty million pound midfield signing profiles that offer better value across multiple squad areas.
Manchester City lead race for Elliot Anderson signature
Manchester City’s motivation to secure the midfielder stems from director of football Hugo Viana, who views Anderson as the ideal replacement for Bernardo Silva. The pursuit has the full backing of incoming manager Enzo Maresca. Rumours indicate that Anderson has already undergone a medical with City during the FIFA World Cup period, reportedly receiving permission from Thomas Tuchel to do so while on international duty.
Anderson’s preference for the blue side of Manchester has been a significant factor in United’s exit from the race. Reports suggest the Old Trafford hierarchy was made aware weeks ago that the player favored a move to work under Maresca. This aligns with a broader trend in football news and transfer trends where player preference is dictating the outcome of high-stakes bidding wars between rivals.
The 23-year-old saw his profile rise significantly after a £35 million move to the City Ground from Newcastle United in 2024. Currently earning approximately £100,000 per week, he is expected to receive a 50% salary increase regardless of his final destination.
As an England regular, he is slated to start the national team’s opening World Cup match against Croatia on June 17, following a strong performance in a -0 win over Costa Rica.
Michael Carrick pivots to alternative midfield targets
With Anderson no longer a primary target, United manager Michael Carrick is looking to other options to bolster his engine room. The club has already made progress in this department, having agreed a £35 million deal plus £3.8 million in add-ons for Atalanta midfielder Éderson. This acquisition provides a foundation for the midfield rebuild without the “eye-wateringly expensive” complications of the Anderson deal.
United’s recruitment team is now evaluating several other candidates to partner with Éderson. These targets reportedly include Lens midfielder Mamadou Sangare, valued at approximately £34 million, and West Ham’s Matheus Fernandes, though the Hammers are said to want £80 million.
Other names linked to the club include Sandro Tonali, Alex Scott, Carlos Baleba, and Angelo Stiller. Any further signings must balance the club’s financial constraints with the need for immediate top-flight impact.
The decision to step back from a £130 million package reflects a desire to avoid the protracted transfer sagas that have hampered the club in previous years. By focusing on more cost-effective alternatives, the recruitment team aims to address multiple holes in the squad.
This strategy may prove vital as the club manages its summer budget while navigating the competitive Premier League market. For more on the club’s broader strategy, see the latest update on World Cup and transfer developments.
