Manchester United is reportedly considering withdrawing from the pursuit of Elliot Anderson, as informed sources shared with ESPN.
The club had identified the England midfielder as a key target leading up to the summer transfer window to enhance their midfield options.
However, concerns over Nottingham Forest‘s asking price have caused the club’s hierarchy to reconsider their interest in the 23-year-old.
ESPN’s sources indicate that Manchester City has submitted an offer exceeding £120 million, including performance-related incentives.
Initially, United valued Anderson at between £80 million and £90 million, but they are hesitant to enter a bidding war with City.
There are also indications that Anderson may prefer a move to the Etihad Stadium if he decides to leave Forest this summer.
United continues to seek at least one more midfielder to strengthen their squad.
– Man City submits British-record transfer offer for Elliot Anderson – sources
– Transfer rumors, news: Man United eyeing move for Leeds’ Darlow
– Roy Keane: Bruno Fernandes and I had a ‘lovely chat’ to resolve assists disagreement
Additionally, a deal for Brazilian international Ederson from Atalanta has already been finalized, and there is ongoing interest in Mateus Fernandes, Alex Scott, and Sandro Tonali.
In the meantime, sources have indicated to ESPN that United is still waiting on Barcelona to confirm their decision regarding whether to activate their €30 million option to permanently sign Marcus Rashford.
Barcelona has until June 15 to make this decision on Rashford, who remains under contract at Old Trafford until 2028.
If a move does not materialize, Rashford is expected to report back to Carrington after the World Cup for preseason training.
ESPN’s sources also mention that head coach Michael Carrick and director of football Jason Wilcox will determine the course of action if Rashford returns.
Last summer, the England forward was required to train separately from the first-team squad following directives from then-manager Ruben Amorim.
Carrick, a former teammate of Rashford and assistant coach during his successful tenure under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, succeeded Amorim in January and secured a permanent head coach position with an initial two-year contract in May.