Elliot Anderson: City yet to match Forest’s valuation, United could pounce | OneFootball

Manchester United’s pursuit of Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson may not be over if the latest reports are to be believed.

It is an open secret that the Red Devils have the Englishman at the very top of their target list to replace the departing Casemiro.

However, the 23-year-old reportedly favours a move to noisy neighbours, Manchester City, instead.

With Forest missing out on European football, there is a growing realisation that they will need to part ways with the England international.

City yet to match Forest’s asking price for Elliot Anderson

Yet, they remain determined to extract the highest possible price from a sale, with Talksport claiming Vítor Pereira’s team value Elliot Anderson at a whopping £105 million, the same price Arsenal had paid for Declan Rice back in 2023.

Interestingly, City are reluctant to pay that much, valuing the former Newcastle ace at around £80 million.

“Sources have told talkSPORT that City want a deal for the England international tied up before the World Cup, which begins on June 11.

“They have already held verbal talks with Forest but, at present, there is a gulf in valuation.

United have chance to hijack deal

“Forest believe Anderson is worth as much as the £105 million Arsenal paid West Ham United for Declan Rice in 2023. talkSPORT understands that City currently value Anderson at £80m.”

According to the BBC, United do not want to get embroiled in a possible bidding war, but this uncertainty surrounding the midfielder’s future could force INEOS to act.

“There is a growing expectation Anderson will leave the City Ground this summer. United are unwilling to overpay, or get drawn into protracted negotiations.

“No deal has been struck between Forest and City and the clubs are far apart on their valuation for the 23-year-old, meaning the situation could still change.”

Backup midfield targets to the rescue

United are aware that their chances of landing Elliot Anderson remain slim, which is why they have moved on to Sandro Tonali of Newcastle.

Even that is proving difficult due to his price and wage demands. Apart from the top targets, the Red Devils have also lined up moves for Ederson, Mateus Fernandes, and Morten Hjulmand as possible replacements for Manuel Ugarte.

Feature image Dan Istidene via Getty Images

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