Manchester United are reportedly ready to make a record-breaking move for Elliot Anderson.
It’s understood that Man Utd require two high profile signings in central midfield this summer. With a return to the Champions League on the horizon and departures in midfield expected, additions are considered a must.
United Keen to Secure Anderson
Elliot Anderson is reportedly Man Utd’s number one target. Nottingham Forest’s valuation is believed to be in excess of £100m. A deal of that magnitude would make Anderson Man Utd’s record signing, surpassing the £89.3m paid to Juventus for Paul Pogba in 2016.
Previously, Manchester City were also linked with Anderson. Like United, City have reportedly identified the 23-year-old as their primary target.
Direct Talks Planned to Beat City
According to Ben Jacobs, Man Utd are now ready to open direct talks with Forest. They reportedly plan to move ‘quickly’ to beat City to Anderson’s signature.
Jacobs stated that “Manchester United are going to move quite quickly on at least two midfielders because Manuel Ugarte could be sold, Casemiro is leaving, and the top priority still remains Elliot Anderson.”
“Manchester United will start now to find out the price, because the thing that’s moved with Elliot Anderson is the ability [for potential buying clubs] to go to Nottingham Forest, which wasn’t the case when they were still in Europe or before they had secured their Premier League safety.”
The Carrick Factor
The transfer coup would serve as the ideal welcome gift for Michael Carrick who is firmly on course to be named Man Utd’s new permanent manager.
Jacobs added: “So although Elliot Anderson is not agitating or desperate to have a new club before the World Cup, now is the right time to go to Nottingham Forest.”
Forest’s Position
Jacobs explained the potential price for Anderson has always been extreme. In the early part of the season, it looked like Forest could go down and not get any European football, which would have put suitors in a stronger position.
“Now we’re somewhere in the middle because Forest haven’t been able to get to the Europa League final or get Champions League football, but they are a Premier League club.”
“So it’s all about Evangelos Marinakis and what is going through his rather unpredictable head, because he will handle an Elliot Anderson exit personally.”
Manchester City are reportedly pushing and confident of agreeing terms with the player, but Manchester United have now got Champions League football and are prepared to throw a fair amount of money toward Anderson.