Manchester City receive massive Elliot Anderson boost after fresh Manchester United stance | OneFootball

Manchester United have taken a fresh stance on their pursuit of Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson amid competition from Manchester City, as per reports.

Anderson is Manchester City‘s top midfield target this summer as the Blues prepare for life beyond departing captain Bernardo Silva, who is on his way out this summer.

City are leading the race to sign Anderson, who is believed to have selected the Etihad Stadium as his preferred destination amid an increasing expectation that he will leave Nottingham Forest at the end of the season.

The 23-year-old has established himself as one of the best midfielders in the Premier League since moving to the City Ground from boyhood club Newcastle United in 2024 – and is expected to start for England at the upcoming FIFA World Cup across the Atlantic.

Report: Man United take fresh stance in Anderson pursuit

Now, according to ESPN’s Rob Dawson and Mark Ogden, Manchester United have decided against entering a bidding war with Manchester City for Anderson despite their desire to lure the Nottingham Forest star to Old Trafford this summer.

The Red Devils have reportedly monitored the midfielder for some time and consider Anderson one of their priority additions to rebuild their squad for next season, with UEFA Champions League football on the brink of returning to Manchester United.

Manchester United are wary that City’s interest in Anderson will see the Englishman’s price shoot up and though the Reds have funds they want to invest in the summer market, they are hesitant to enter a bidding war.

What is Nottingham Forest’s asking price for Anderson?

The report adds that Nottingham Forest are asking for a fee in the region of £120 million for Anderson, who has been identified by executives at the Etihad Stadium as a potent addition to Manchester City’s midfield.

Officials at the City Ground are further said to believe that their valuation of Anderson is ‘fair’ considering the midfielder is under contract till the summer of 2029 as well as his near-guaranteed starting place for the Three Lions.

In addition, Forest’s asking price for Anderson has also been based on the fact that Chelsea paid £115 million to sign Moises Caicedo from Brighton and Hove Albion in August 2023.

Manchester City want to expedite transfer talks for Anderson before the FIFA World Cup but will respect that Forest are busy in their battle to avoid relegation from the Premier League in the final weeks of the season.