Manchester United looked to be fighting a losing battle against City for Elliot Anderson, but the latest developments could change things.
The priority target for Man Utd’s midfield revamp shifted from Carlos Baleba last summer to Elliot Anderson in quick time.
The all-action Forest midfielder is the perfect replacement for Casemiro, or at least as perfect as one can be to replace one of the greatest of all time.
However, Man City’s developing interest left United on the outside looking in, something that might change now.
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How much would you want United to spend on him this summer…
Man City’s Elliot Anderson chase hits a Rodri snag
There are some clubs in world football funded by a whole state who don’t really need to rely on “one in, one out” transfer strategy.
City are one of those clubs, but they still need to ensure the players they are buying would get ample game time or risk destroying their dressing room morale.
When they were linked to Elliot Anderson, it was in the backdrop of Rodri dropping hints about being open to a move to Real Madrid.
However, the latest development emerging from Spain sees a snag in that situation.
RadioMarca reports that Rodri, who was widely thought to be the player Anderson would replace next season, is not moving to Real Madrid.
Rodri has been open about a move to Spain this summer, but the Spanish outlet reports that Real Madrid president Florentino Perez simply “doesn’t want him”.
To add to United’s good news, they have their eyes on Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez, thereby weakening a direct rival next season.
City’s Rodri news is a boost for Man Utd
As much as City have a bottomless pit of cash, even they will have a hard time convincing Rodri or Elliot Anderson to stay at the club as a backup.
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Rodri might have lost a step or two after injury, but that just makes it more difficult to shift, and Anderson won’t be joining a club to fight for minutes against Rodri.
It’s a boost for United, because if there’s one thing United can absolutely guarantee, it’s that he’ll be the first name on the teamsheet for every game.
Not even United’s uncertain managerial situation is a blow, because it’s not like Pep Guardiola hasn’t been cryptic about where his future lies.
Rodri’s departure would have opened up an easy spot for Anderson to slot right into, but Madrid looking elsewhere leaves the door open for United.
City might have been ahead in the race for his signature, but United need to sprint through that open door and pitch Anderson a role of a lifetime to convince him to sign.
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