Manchester United have made an approach to sign Elliot Anderson, and Nottingham Forest’s demands to sanction a departure have now been revealed.
Fabrizio Romano confirmed that Man United plan to bolster their options in the engine room next year, when commenting on their interest in Stuttgart’s Angelo Stiller and Atletico Madrid’s Conor Gallagher.
The transfer expert said: “January is not going to be easy. It’s going to be about opportunities in the summer could be different. And for sure, Manchester United in 2026 will add again, at least one midfielder.”
The desire to sign a new central midfielder comes amid uncertainty over Kobbie Mainoo’s future, with it recently emerging the youngster is in advanced talks to join Napoli, while Ruben Amorim may also need to plan for life after Casemiro, as the Brazilian’s contract is due to expire next summer.
The 33-year-old is yet to put pen to paper on a new deal, despite putting in some solid performances this season, with Rio Ferdinand praising the former Real Madrid man for his performance in the 2-1 win against Liverpool at Anfield last month.
Ferdinand said: “He was outstanding in that first-half yesterday. I think his positional sense and awareness in that midfield area in a big game like that was invaluable.”
Man Utd make approach to sign Elliot Anderson
According to Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg on X, Man United have now made an approach to sign Nottingham Forest star Anderson, having “registered concrete interest” in signing the midfielder.
Forest have been “informed” of their Premier League rivals’ desire to get a deal done, but it would be fair to say they are playing hard ball, as a fee in the region of £100m – £120m is “still being demanded.”
It is no wonder the Tricky Trees are hesitant to sanction a departure unless they receive a huge fee, considering the Englishman has impressed for both club and country this season, putting in a fantastic performance on his Three Lions’ debut against Andorra back in September.
More recently, the 23-year-old got on the scoresheet in Forest’s 3-1 victory against Leeds United, bagging the third goal from the penalty spot to help his side secure what could prove to be a vital three points in the relegation battle.
Lauded as “sensational” by The Athletic’s Nick Miller, the four-time England international has also impressed from a defensive point of view over the past year, placing in the 89th percentile for tackles per 90, when compared to other midfielders, having averaged 2.89.
Anderson is exhibiting very promising signs at Nottingham Forest, but £120m would be a huge fee to pay for a player who is not yet regarded as one of the best midfielders in the world, so Man United should try and get a deal done for a much lower fee.
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The Red Devils are set to make sure Ruben Amorim gets his wish as they head into 2026 at Old Trafford.
BySean Markus Clifford