Manchester United have been linked with Elliot Anderson but it is rivals Manchester City who made the first move for the Nottingham Forest star.
Weeks before the end of the 2025/26 season, it was made clear that Elliot Anderson was Manchester United’s dream target heading into the summer transfer window.
However, Nottingham Forest set a £125m asking price for Anderson, and a move was made even more complicated by Manchester City’s interest.
United are not willing to pay over the odds for Elliot Anderson, so it is City who are in pole position to sign the England international. They have now made their first move.
If Elliot Anderson is £125m… What is Kobbie Mainoo’s market value right now?
Not that he's going anywhere…🔒
Manchester City open bidding for Elliot Anderson
According to The Athletic‘s David Ornstein, City have submitted their first bid for Anderson after making him a priority target.
The report does not specify the size of the bid, but does make it clear that it has been rejected by Forest.
City are, however, expected to return to the table with another offer for Anderson. United are mentioned in the report, but Ornstein reaffirms that the Red Devils will not pay Forest’s asking price and are therefore ready to walk away.
Reports claim that Anderson prefers to join City anyway, so Ineos must read the market and move on with transfer plans of their own.
Should Manchester United pay £125m for Elliot Anderson?
Reports suggest Nottingham Forest have set a £125m valuation on Elliot Anderson. 💰
Manchester United can finally move on from Elliot Anderson
United are not willing to pay over £100 million for Anderson this summer, and Ineos have stuck to that stance for weeks.
Ineos have had their biggest transfer success signing players who were desperate to make the move to Old Trafford. Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko all turned down Champions League clubs to join United when the Red Devils were out of Europe.
Anderson is not showing that same interest, and City’s opening bid is the final nail in the coffin that should end any links to United.
United have already agreed to sign Ederson, and now Ineos can move onto other targets.
Fabrizio Romano has made it clear United want up to two more midfielders, and the most likely targets include Mateus Fernandes, Carlos Baleba, Alex Scott, Aurelien Tchouameni and Sandro Tonali.
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