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Elliot Anderson snubs Man Utd for arch-rivals as 65m transfer moves closer

EXCLUSIVE: Manchester United have suffered a huge blow in the race to sign Elliot Anderson with Manchester City favourites to sign the standout Nottingham Forest and England midfielder

[LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 31: Elliot Anderson of England looks on during the international friendly match between England and Japan at Wembley Stadium on March 31, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Michael Regan - The FA/The FA via Getty Images)]

Manchester United have suffered a blow in their Elliot Anderson pursuit(Image: Michael Regan - The FA, The FA via Getty Images)

Manchester City believe they have secured victory in the battle to sign Elliot Anderson, beating Manchester United to the England midfielder's signature.

City hierarchy made the England and Nottingham Forest midfielder one of their primary summer objectives. And Etihad officials are optimistic about completing Anderson's arrival in a 65m transaction.

Anderson is being pursued by numerous clubs, including United, Chelsea and Tottenham. But it's understood City are leading the chase to secure his signature.

[Elliot Anderson of Nottingham Forest]

Elliot Anderson is set to leave Nottingham Forest this summer(Image: Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

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Anderson has made it clear that the Etihad represents his favoured destination. And the 23-year-old is expected to depart Forest, regardless of whether the club manages to avoid relegation or not.

City are eager to finalise the transfer at the beginning of the summer, before Anderson departs for the World Cup North America with England. This would eliminate the possibility of Anderson's price tag rising, should he enjoy a standout tournament.

Anderson has emerged as one of the finest young midfielders in the Premier League this season. He moved to Forest from Newcastle in 2024 for approximately 20m.

He earned his maiden England call-up in August for World Cup qualifiers against Andorra and Serbia, but had to wait until the following month to make his debut in a 2-0 win over Andorra.

Since then he has been one of Thomas Tuchel's most outstanding performers, and is virtually certain to be included in the German's final World Cup squad.

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