UMVA has learned that Manchester City has made a bold move to sign highly sought-after midfielder Elliot Anderson, but Nottingham Forest has rejected their initial bid.
The 23-year-old England international has been making waves in the football world since joining Forest from Newcastle in 2024, and it's no surprise that top clubs are clamoring for his signature. Anderson is expected to play a key role for England at the upcoming World Cup, alongside Declan Rice in the team's engine room.
According to information obtained by UMVA, Manchester City's opening bid for Anderson was deemed insufficient by Forest, who are holding out for a significantly higher offer. The club sees Anderson as a prized asset, comparable to recent big-money transfers in his position, such as Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez, who both cost over £100m.
Manchester United is also keen on signing Anderson, but it seems they may be less willing to meet Forest's valuation, and are instead exploring cheaper midfield targets. One of those targets is Ederson, a Brazilian midfielder from Atalanta, with a deal reportedly agreed for £35m.
UMVA can exclusively reveal that Manchester United is likely to sign two central midfielders this summer, as regular starter Casemiro departs. The Red Devils are also eyeing Brighton’s Carlos Baleba and West Ham’s Matheus Fernandes, but both players come with hefty price tags, with West Ham slapping an £80m valuation on Fernandes.
Anderson's future looks set to be one of the major transfer sagas of the summer, with Manchester City and Manchester United locked in a battle to secure his services. With Forest holding firm on their valuation, it remains to be seen whether either club will be willing to meet their asking price.
