Manchester City ready to offer big money to HIJACK Manchester United’s £100M target
Manchester City lead the chase for Nottingham Forest star Elliot Anderson
Reports from Fabrizio Romano confirm that Manchester City are preparing a massive bid to tempt Elliot Anderson away from the City Ground this summer. While the blue half of Manchester are the frontrunner, Manchester United are keeping a close eye on things and will pounce if the City deal falls through.
During this 2025/2026 campaign, the midfielder has established himself as a Premier League mainstay by racking up 2,954 minutes on the pitch. His form is backed up by an impressive 7.48 FotMob rating, supported by 2 goals and 2 assists across 33 appearances. Although he has picked up 6 yellow cards, his defensive work rate and creativity have made him one of the most sought-after English talents today.
Manchester City view the versatile 23-year-old as a key part of the midfield rebuild under the guidance of Hugo Viana. With several veteran stars likely on their way out, the club prioritise fresh energy and intelligence to maintain their domestic dominance.
Nevertheless, Manchester United monitor the situation closely as Michael Carrick seeks to add proven Premier League quality to his evolving squad. The Red Devils see Anderson as that rare type of player who is as tough as he is technical, making him a perfect option for their current system. It’s setting the stage for a massive tug-of-war this summer between the two local rivals for a player valued at upwards of £65 million.
Throughout this season, Anderson has demonstrated why he sits atop the recruitment lists for both Manchester City and Manchester United. He’s constantly on the ball and loves to take players on, proving he can transition the ball from deep areas into the final third with ease.
Furthermore, his performance in big matches, including a goal against City themselves in March, shows he has the big-game mentality needed for the top level. Even though Nottingham Forest face a challenging period, the midfielder continues to produce top-tier metrics that justify a potential £100 million price tag.
Will Elliot Anderson choose the Etihad or Old Trafford?
At the end of the day, it comes down to which club can offer the quickest route to silverware and individual development. In my opinion, Manchester City provide a more stable environment for a player of his profile because their tactical structure is already refined for ball-dominant midfielders. While Manchester United have shown significant improvement under Carrick, the Etihad offers the immediate chance to compete for the Champions League and replace departing legends.
Anderson naturally suits the profile of a Pep player due to his high passing accuracy and spatial awareness. However, if United guarantee him a starting role as the centrepiece of their midfield rebuild, the allure of Old Trafford might become irresistible.
Given he already possesses a winner’s medal from the Under-21 European Championship, he will likely seek the most competitive stage available. Currently, the evidence suggests City have the advantage, yet United’s persistent interest ensures this saga stays unpredictable until the very end.
Rohit Sarkar
Rohit Sarkar is a passionate writer with a deep love for multiple sports, but his favourites are football and cricket. Since 2017, he has been covering football and cricket news with a keen eye for detail and compelling storytelling. He is a fan of the beautiful game and a specialist…
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