Elliot Anderson has long been Manchester United’s number one midfield target this summer, but for months, he has felt more like a pipe dream.
The best midfielder on the market this summer is undoubtedly Elliot Anderson, but because of that, Manchester United always faced an uphill battle to sign him.
Manchester City have been leading the race for Anderson, with a bid even being submitted from the other side of Manchester.
But with Nottingham Forest looking for £125m to sell this summer, no side are going to be stepping up anytime soon.
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Manchester United’s confidence levels over Elliot Anderson signing
Despite City leading, United aren’t giving up on Anderson this summer just yet, as multiple reports have indicated.
Now, journalist Jamie Jackson has told Stretford Paddock on YouTube that he has heard United think they can beat City to the punch.
“I was surprised when I was told that they hadn’t given up and that you know they think they have a chance of maybe gazumping if you want to put it that way. And what’s interesting is, since there’s another story, I’ve not heard from United to say, you know, ‘what are you doing in reporting that’ you know what I mean?
“So I don’t think they’re unhappy with that being out there.
“If you ask me a slightly different question, do I think that they’ve got a chance? I do think they’ve got a chance, and the reason why is that, as I understand it, we know that City have bid £80m, I think, and that’s been rejected. Now they’ve told Forest, this is United now, that that’s what they think he is worth, but it’s horse trading, it’s sort of you know that’s just your opening gambit.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if United think that City have a ceiling and that, if push comes to shove, you know, that will allow them to outbid. I’m not saying it’s going to happen, but they are definitely serious about it.”
This could explain United’s reluctance to begin negotiating for the likes of Mateus Fernandes, as they wait to see whether top target Anderson is possibly attainable.
If City move on because of the price, then suddenly United could have a free run.
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What is the absolute maximum Manchester United should spend on Anderson?
Anderson would be transformative in midfield for United, and probably secures the position as his own for the next decade.
But with United’s £250m transfer budget, spending the entire £125m on him wouldn’t be wise.
However, United could absolutely afford to spend £100m of the budget on him this summer.
Signing Anderson for £100m is better than two £50m midfielders, considering how transformative he would be. This leaves United with £120m-ish left over when considering the £34m already spent on Ederson.
£60m for Lewis Hall and then another £60m midfielder, and United could be absolutely flying next season.
This is, of course, just speculation, but that would be a very fine summer.
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