Report: Manchester City want to beat rivals in race to sign England star | OneFootball

Man City confident of beating Man Utd to Elliot Anderson after Antoine Semenyo lead

Originally reported by TeamTalk, this latest briefing reads like a familiar Manchester City approach. Identify a Premier League talent early, shape the narrative, then strike when the timing suits.

TeamTalk report, “Manchester City are interested in adding another midfielder to their ranks and believe they could beat Manchester United to the signing of Elliot Anderson in 2026, we can reveal.” They add that “Pep Guardiola’s side already appear to have beaten their close rivals to Antoine Semenyo,” and the suggestion is City want to repeat that trick.

Manchester City planning ahead

TeamTalk write, “Man City refuse to stand still as they move towards the final year of Guardiola’s reign and intend to use their current standing in the game to their advantage.” With Guardiola’s contract “due to expire in 2027,” recruitment has to serve both today and whatever comes next.

In midfield, the Rodri factor remains central. TeamTalk note, “They have been forced to cope without star midfielder Rodri for much of the season, and even as he returns to contention there remains a focus on ensuring the squad is protected against any future midfield setbacks.”

Elliot Anderson profile

TeamTalk point to a recent audition, “Anderson is emerging as a key target and did little to harm his prospects with an impressive display in Nottingham Forest’s 2-1 defeat to City at the weekend.” For City, those fixtures are a stress test of decision making and bravery in possession.

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Process wise, “City are not expected to pursue a move in the winter window, instead planning to lay the groundwork ahead of the summer.” That suggests relationship building and clarity over role.

Manchester United stance

United are firmly in the race. TeamTalk say, “Manchester United retain a strong interest in the Forest midfielder and are prepared to invest heavily in a Premier League-proven talent.” They add that “United are admirers of Premier League trio Anderson, Carlos Baleba and Adam Wharton,” while “our sources shut those rumours down on December 6” about landing all three.

City’s advantage, per the report, is sporting pull. “City hold the sporting edge over their rivals right now and there are indications they will look to position themselves early for talks capable of turning the player’s head.”

Price tag and timeline

Forest will try to resist. TeamTalk write, “Nottingham Forest are not keen to sell Anderson at present, but are aware that their stance is likely to be tested over the next six months.” The expected demand is lofty, “Forest are expected to demand £80-100million before letting the England star leave.”

There are two extra tells in the piece. First, “It was claimed on December 1 that Anderson would prefer to join City over United, and Guardiola’s side appear to be growing in confidence they can get the deal over the line.” Second, TeamTalk note, “Graeme Bailey reported for TEAMtalk on December 2 that Forest have identified Lyon’s Tyler Morton as a potential replacement for Anderson.” Clubs do not line up replacements unless they sense the market will come calling.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

As a Manchester City supporter, this feels like strategic housekeeping rather than drama. Rodri’s absence has shown how quickly control can slip when the squad lacks a specialist organiser. Even with him back, you want protection for Champions League weeks and for the long grind.

Anderson appeals because he looks adaptable. He can carry the ball out of pressure, he can play with tempo, and he does not hide when the level rises. The nod to his performance in the 2-1 defeat matters, because City tend to rate players who keep demanding the ball against them.

The Semenyo angle adds spice, because nobody enjoys losing a target to a rival, especially United. But fans should be realistic about cost. £80m to £100m is huge, and the club will only pay it if Anderson is viewed as a long term piece, not a neat addition.

If Guardiola does leave in 2027, signing players now who can thrive across tactical tweaks makes sense. Anderson would be future proofing, and that is often how City stay ahead.