Insider names leader in Man United & Man City race to sign Elliot Anderson
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(Credit: Imago) Elliot Anderson: Man City edge ahead of Man United in ‘£100m’ race Fri 3 April 2026 8:15, UK Elliot Anderson is at the centre of a big-money race between Manchester City and Manchester United ahead of the summer transfer window.Nottingham Forest are expected to demand around £100million for the England international who is now widely expected to leave the City Ground at the end of the season.The 23-year-old has shone for England as well as his club in recent months and interest in his signature has soared as a result, with the two Manchester clubs leading the race.Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that the Red Devils “would love” to sign Anderson, but worry City may have edged ahead in the race.Pep Guardiola’s side are expected to have more financial freedom than their rivals, while the midfielder is believed to prefer the move in a blow to Man United’s transfer plans. 🔄 Man United Transfer Update 🔄 Breaking news on deals in progress, signing scoops, departures, and contract news from the United boardroom. VISIT THE TRANSFER HUB MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES How can Man City beat rivals to Elliot Anderson deal?Brown told Football Insider on 18 March that Man City are the favourites to sign Anderson and are prepared to blow their rivals out of the water in the race.Forest will demand a significant fee for his signature, and City are better-placed to agree terms than any other club and they prepare to step up their bid.Elliot Anderson StatsPremier LeagueEuropa LeagueAppearances3110Starts316Minutes Played2775653Goals20Assists21Elliot Anderson’s Nottingham Forest stats in 2025-26.
(via Transfermarkt)Both clubs have other transfer targets, the likes of Adam Wharton and Sandro Tonali among them, but Anderson’s displays have made him the leading contender.“Man United would love to sign Anderson, everybody knows that,” Brown told Football Insider.“But at the moment, they feel like City are probably the favourites because they can afford to spend more, like we saw last year and in January.“It’s difficult to know what Man United’s situation is, but their budget is unlikely to stretch to the £100million Forest are going to want for Anderson.“So that puts City in a strong position to get the deal done.“From his point of view as well, Man United have improved this season but there’s more of a certainty about Man City and competing for trophies.”What is Man United’s plan for Anderson if they win the race?Should Man United manage to beat their rivals in the race for the midfielder, there is a clear plan for how he would fit into their side to replace Casemiro.Brown told Football Insider that Man United are determined to sign Anderson and believe they could turn him into one of the best in the world in his position.Man City are the favourites to land Anderson.United feel subtle tweaks to his game will make him more effective and the perfect option for their midfield, compared to the role he plays at Forest.His current all-action game, where he is equally as effective in the attacking third as he is in the defensive third, could be refined to make him more effective.A more concentrated position in midfield, similar to Casemiro but with more energy to his running, could see Man United get the best out of the England star. Don’t Miss a Beat: Your Man United Insider Access Get the full story from Old Trafford and Carrington with our dedicated expert hubs: Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from the heart of Old Trafford.