Manchester United intends to avoid engaging in a bidding war with Manchester City over Elliot Anderson as the club seeks to strengthen its midfield this summer, according to sources cited by ESPN.
United has been monitoring Anderson for some time and considers the 23-year-old a key target for their midfield renovation in the upcoming transfer window.
However, reports indicate that Nottingham Forest is demanding around £120 million ($162 million) for the England international, who is also being pursued by Manchester City.
While United has financial resources available for this summer, they consider the asking price for Anderson to be excessively high and are reluctant to compete with City, which could inflate the price further.
Sources suggest that United plans to finance their top midfield signing through player sales, potentially generating between £80 million and £90 million, allowing a significant part of the transfer budget to be allocated towards signing another midfielder, a left winger, and possibly a center-back or full-back.
Nottingham Forest believes their valuation is justifiable, noting Anderson’s expected vital contribution to England in the World Cup and that he remains under contract until 2029.
This valuation is partially influenced by Moisés Caicedo‘s transfer from Brighton to Chelsea for £115 million ($155 million) in 2023.
– What needs to happen for Man United to secure a Champions League spot?
– Benjamin Šeško supports Michael Carrick for the Man United job
– Ghana manager Carlos Queiroz calls Black Stars role ‘the biggest challenge of my career’
United is also committed to adhering to their new salary structure this summer, as sources indicate that high earners such as Casemiro, Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho are likely to depart, prompting club executives to manage the wage bill prudently.
United had previously felt they were in a favorable position to acquire Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth in January, but cooled interest after the winger’s representatives engaged in discussions with Manchester City regarding personal terms.
If Anderson becomes unattainable, United is considering other midfield options, including Carlos Baleba, Aurélien Tchouaméni, and Sandro Tonali.
No formal discussions have occurred with Atalanta regarding a transfer for Éderson, but sources confirm that Atlético Madrid has been in contact with the Italian side concerning a possible deal.