Man Utd admit defeat in Elliot Anderson transfer race as Man City set to seal 100m swoop

Manchester United have admitted defeat to arch-rivals City in the pursuit of Elliot Anderson.

United had earmarked the England and Nottingham Forest midfielder as a key summer target. However, United chiefs are unwilling to meet the hefty asking price of around 100m.

Furthermore, it's understood that United believe Anderson would favour a move to City over them. City remain increasingly confident of securing Anderson's signature, despite the recent departure of Pep Guardiola. Enzo Maresca is tipped to succeed Guardiola at the Etihad, and has given his blessing to the signing of 23-year-old Anderson.

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United will now shift their focus elsewhere in their quest to bolster their midfield options ahead of next season.

Adam Wharton, Carlos Belaba and Real Madrid pair Aurelien Tchouameni and Federico Valverde remain on their radar. United have also contemplated a surprise swoop for Alexis Mac Allister, but acknowledge that striking a deal with Liverpool is highly unlikely.

City hope to wrap up a deal for Anderson before he departs for the World Cup with England. However, Forest recognise that Anderson's value could rise further should he enjoy a successful tournament with the Three Lions.

Forest won't stand in Anderson's way this summer if he opts to make the leap to a larger club.

Anderson, who clinched the 2025 European U21 Championship with England last summer, made the switch to Forest from Newcastle in 2024 for 35m.

He has since cemented his status as one of the Premier League's top midfielders - and is tipped to start England's opening group match at the World Cup against Croatia in Dallas.

His match against Bournemouth last weekend marked his 50th appearance of the season, earning him a standing ovation from the Forest faithful.

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