Man Utd Lead Race for Elliot Anderson Over Man City

Manchester United and Manchester City are competing to sign Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson, with the player’s valuation expected to reach approximately £100 million. The pursuit comes as Manchester United prepares for a significant overhaul of its midfield under manager Michael Carrick.

Nottingham Forest is reportedly seeking a fee in the region of £100 million for the England international. Both Manchester clubs are reportedly moving quickly to secure the midfielder, fearing that a strong performance at the World Cup this summer could further increase his market value.

Manchester United’s Midfield Strategy

Manager Michael Carrick has identified Anderson as a primary target to revitalize United’s engine room. The midfielder is viewed as a high-energy, box-to-box midfielder who possesses progressive dribbling, elite ball-carrying in tight spaces, and a combination of technical composure and defensive pressing.

To facilitate these arrivals, Manchester United is expected to move on from Manuel Ugarte and Casemiro. Reports indicate that Ugarte has struggled to impose himself at the club, and INEOS is likely to cash in on the player, which would clear the path for a complete rebuild of the midfield.

The Competition with Manchester City

While some reports suggest Manchester City is currently leading the race for Anderson, other sources indicate the situation is more complex. Florian Plettenberg of Sky Sports Germany reported on April 6, 2026, that while City has registered interest, their primary focus remains on extending the contract of Rodri.

Plettenberg further noted that Nottingham Forest expects Manchester United to remain seriously involved in the pursuit. As of April 6, 2026, no club had made direct contact with Nottingham Forest regarding a transfer for Anderson.

Contingency Plans and Alternative Targets

Aware of Manchester City’s financial resources, Manchester United is reportedly accelerating a contingency plan. The club is closely monitoring the situation of Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali, who has emerged as the preferred alternative should United miss out on Anderson.

Former United chief scout Mick Brown has highlighted Tonali as a specific tactical fit for the club’s current requirements.

He would fit into that Casemiro role better than some of the other options they’ve considered and he’s really impressed for Newcastle this season

Mick Brown

Manchester City also maintains an interest in Tonali, potentially targeting the Italy international if he fails to agree to a contract extension with Newcastle United.

Broader Transfer Landscape

Beyond the race for Anderson and Tonali, other Premier League clubs are active in the market. Arsenal is closely tracking 19-year-old Bayer Leverkusen forward Christian Kofane, who impressed during the Champions League round of 16. Leverkusen is reportedly open to a deal worth between €60 million and €70 million.

Liverpool may enter a competition with Barcelona for the signature of Bournemouth defender Marcos Senesi. Senesi is expected to become a free agent at the end of the current season following four years with the south coast club.