Man Utd snub Elliot Anderson transfer for two reasons as Man City lead | Football | Sport

Manchester United have admitted defeat to arch-rivals City in the battle to sign Elliot Anderson. United had identified the England and Nottingham Forest midfielder as one of their primary targets this summer. However, United’s hierarchy are unwilling to match the asking price of around £100million.

Furthermore, United are under the impression that Anderson would favour a move to City over them. City remain increasingly bullish about securing Anderson’s signature, despite Pep Guardiola’s recent exit. Enzo Maresca is set to succeed Guardiola at the Etihad, and has given his backing to the acquisition of 23-year-old Anderson.

United will now turn their attentions elsewhere in their bid to sign midfield reinforcements ahead of next season.

Adam Wharton, Carlos Belaba and Real Madrid pair Aurelien Tchouameni and Federico Valverde all remain potential targets. United have also considered a surprise approach for Alexis Mac Allister, though they are fully aware that negotiating a deal with Liverpool would be extremely difficult.

Additionally, United are reportedly closing in on a deal for Atalanta midfielder Ederson, who is rated at £43m by the Italian club.

City are keen to wrap up Anderson’s signing before he departs for the World Cup with England. However, Forest are well aware that Anderson’s market value will rise considerably should he impress at the tournament with the Three Lions.

Forest will not block Anderson’s path to the exit door this summer, if he chooses to make the step up to a larger club.

Anderson, who won the 2025 European U21 Championship with England last summer, joined Forest from Newcastle in 2024 for £35m.

He has since established himself as one of the finest midfielders in the Premier League – and is expected to start England’s opening group fixture at the World Cup against Croatia in Dallas.

Last weekend’s match against Bournemouth marked his 50th appearance of the campaign and Forest supporters gave him a standing ovation.