Elliot Anderson: Man United running out of time to hijack City’s move | OneFootball

Manchester United are running out of time to make a “serious play” for Elliot Anderson as Manchester City set a strict deadline to strike a deal for the midfield maestro, according to a new report.

The Battle of Manchester

Anderson, 23, has emerged as the most in-demand player in the Premier League this summer, despite the transfer window not opening for another 11 days. Both halves of Manchester are locked in a fierce battle to secure his signature, while virtually every other top club in England has expressed interest – with good reason.

The Whitley Bay native has established himself as one of the most exciting young midfielders in Europe since signing for Nottingham Forest in 2023. He possesses a complete skillset on the pitch, with virtually no weaknesses to his game, which is matched by an outstanding attitude and work ethic off it.

Elliot Anderson Stats: 2025/26 Season

He ranks highly for both offensive and defensive metrics, having been deployed as more of a deep-lying playmaker this season – for club and country. England boss Thomas Tuchel has described him as an “elite” talent, and has made him a focal point for the Three Lions ahead of the World Cup next week.

United’s focus this summer is to rebuild their midfield, with a successor to Casemiro considered the priority. Anderson is the club’s primary target, though there is also admiration for Real Madrid superstar Aurélien Tchouaméni.

However, City are also desperate to add the Forest talisman to their ranks as a replacement for the departing Bernardo Silva, who is set to join FC Barcelona on a free transfer. United’s noisy neighbours have been leading the charge in recent months, with Anderson favouring the blue half of Manchester over the red, despite Pep Guardiola calling time on his 10-year tenure at the Etihad.

United’s hierarchy are intent on making a “serious play” to hijack this move as they refuse to give up hope of striking a deal for a talent sporting director Jason Wilcox is understood to be obsessed with – but the window of opportunity is narrowing.

Time is Running Out

David Ornstein revealed City had “submitted an opening offer” last night, which was swiftly rejected by Forest, who are believed to be looking for a British record fee for a midfielder.

However, the Citizens are expected to return with a “massive” second bid, and there is “growing confidence” an agreement will be reached before the World Cup kicks off next week.

“TEAMtalk can reveal that lines of communication between the two clubs remain open, with discussions continuing over a structure that could eventually satisfy all parties.

“Importantly, confidence remains high that an agreement can be reached. Sources close to the situation believe there is still a strong chance of a breakthrough before the World Cup kicks off, with both clubs keen to establish clarity over Anderson’s future sooner rather than later.”

The tournament in North America, where Anderson is currently with England, opens next Friday (June 11) with Mexico facing South Africa. If City hope to strike a deal before then, this gives United a week to launch their “serious play”, or risk the midfielder agreeing to join the wrong half of the city uninterrupted.

Final Thoughts

If the Red Devils were able to pull off a blockbuster hijack for Anderson, it would be the type of seismic shift of power INEOS have been searching for since taking the helm at Old Trafford in 2024. Unfortunately, the number of needs in Michael Carrick’s squad makes the prospect of a club-record fee being tabled increasingly unlikely, with reinforcements needed in goal, on the left-hand side and up front.

There are 115 reasons why Anderson should choose the hallowed ground the Theatre of Dreams is built upon, but the pull of the Etihad remains attractive to players’ bank accounts as much as their careers. United will likely need to keep searching for Casemiro‘s heir, barring any bombshell late twists.

Featured image Dan Istidene via Getty Images

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