Manchester City Lead Elliot Anderson Transfer Race Ahead of Manchester United

Manchester City are leading the race to sign Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson, with the 23-year-old leaning towards a move to the Etihad Stadium instead of Manchester United.

“- Published Manchester City are leading the race to sign Elliot Anderson, with the Nottingham Forest midfielder leaning towards a move to Etihad Stadium instead of rivals Manchester United”

BBC

talkSPORT says City want a deal for the England international tied up before the World Cup, which begins on June 11, and that City currently value Anderson at £80m while Forest believe he is worth as much as the £105million Arsenal paid West Ham United for Declan Rice in 2023.

BBC

talkSPORT also reports that City and United have both held talks with Anderson’s camp and that City are hopeful of agreeing a deal despite a valuation gulf.

In England duty, Anderson told reporters, "Obviously we’ve got the World Cup this summer so all my eyes are on that."

talkSPORT adds that Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis will handle an Anderson exit personally as global head of football Edu has been on gardening leave since January.

BBC Sport’s Nick Mashiter reiterated that City are ahead of United for Anderson, saying there is a growing expectation he will leave the City Ground this summer and that United are unwilling to overpay or get drawn into protracted negotiations.

The BBC also reported that no deal has been struck between Forest and City and that the clubs are far apart on their valuation for the 23-year-old, meaning the situation could still change.

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After Forest’s 1-1 draw with Bournemouth, manager Vitor Pereira said Anderson and Morgan Gibbs-White deserve "the top of the world" and added, "I believe if we want to compete for different goals, we need to keep the best players," while also saying he would prefer to keep both.

talkSPORT reports that Anderson favours a move to the Etihad Stadium over Manchester United, who are looking elsewhere for midfield options, and it says City want to try for Anderson first before assessing other midfielders in the market.

The Mirror frames the race as City leading while United remain firm, noting Anderson is valued at an eye-watering £120million and that BBC Sport has reported City as the frontrunners.

The World Cup timing is central to the transfer picture, with talkSPORT saying City want a deal for Anderson tied up before the tournament begins on June 11 and that a strong performance for England could raise his value further.

“The possibility that Rodri could be targeted by Real Madrid has always been Manchester City's main concern in talks over a new contract”

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talkSPORT also says City are prepared to move even if Rodri signs a new contract, while United’s plan is to add two senior midfielders this summer and City will sign at least one.

Football365 says the two Manchester clubs are in the market for at least one new midfielder this summer as they want to sign a top-level No.6 as a long-term replacement for Rodri and Casemiro, respectively, and it adds that there is no agreement already reached between Forest and City.

Meanwhile, the BBC reports that Forest finished 16th in the Premier League, leaving no European football at the City Ground next season, and it says Anderson won the 2025 European U21 Championship with England last summer.

The BBC also states Anderson joined Forest from Newcastle in 2024 for £35m and has played 92 times, scoring six goals, and that Sunday’s game against Bournemouth was his 50th appearance of the season with a standing ovation when he was withdrawn in the second half.