Manchester City and Manchester United are locked in a transfer battle for Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson, with the 23-year-old now valued between £100m and £125m. According to reports from Football365 and TeamTalk, City have emerged as the frontrunners for the England international, though United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has identified Anderson as the primary successor to the departing Casemiro. The move would represent a significant windfall for Forest, who signed the midfielder from Newcastle United for £35m in July 2024 to assist the Magpies with Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) compliance.
City lead race for Anderson despite playing time concerns
While Manchester City are understood to be prepared to offer significant personal terms to secure Anderson, questions have been raised regarding his tactical pathway at the Etihad. City’s interest follows the confirmed departure of Bernardo Silva and continued uncertainty over Rodri’s long-term future. However, former midfielder Gareth Barry, speaking to the Mirror, suggested Anderson must consider his development, noting that if Rodri remains, the 23-year-old may see fewer minutes than he currently enjoys at the City Ground. Despite these concerns, reports indicate that Anderson's Forest teammates believe his move to the champions is already a certainty.
Manchester United’s midfield overhaul
For Manchester United, Anderson represents a high-profile solution to a thinning midfield. With Casemiro confirmed to leave Old Trafford this summer and Manuel Ugarte struggling for consistency, Ratcliffe views Anderson as a foundational signing for the INEOS era. Since making his senior England debut in September 2025, Anderson has developed into one of the league's most effective progressive passers, ranking second in the Premier League for pass accuracy and seventh for key passes during the 2025/26 campaign. Fabrizio Romano reports that United hope the potential of Champions League football will be enough to pivot the player’s interest away from their cross-town rivals. Having featured in 34 league games this season, Anderson would likely step into an immediate starting role at United, a contrast to the rotational risk present at City.