Manchester United join race for City and Chelsea target

Soccer Football – FA Cup – Semi Final – Nottingham Forest v Manchester City – Wembley Stadium, London, Britain – April 27, 2025 Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson applauds fans after the match Action Images via Reuters/Jason Cairnduff

Manchester United are keen to join the race for Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson. The former Newcastle man has enjoyed a breakout season with Forest, earning a call up to Thomas Tuchel’s England set up.

Manchester City and Chelsea have already expressed interest in signing Anderson, in what could turn out to be a bidding war next summer. The Mirror has reported that United could now make it a three way battle for his signature.

Still just 22 years of age, Anderson is considered one of England’s brightest prospects. After making his England debut in September, he has gone on to earn four senior caps and some fans and pundits have tipped him to start in the summer’s World Cup.

Anderson joined Forest from Newcastle in a £35m deal in July of 2024. Newcastle were reportedly resigned to lose the player following struggles with Profit and Sustainability Rules.

The player’s progress since then has put the Premier League on notice, with Anderson becoming one of the elite ball winners in the country.

United are understood to be in the market for long term midfield reinforcements following recent links to Stuttgart’s Angelo Stiller, Brighton’s Carlos Baleba, and Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton among others. Uncertainties remain around the futures of Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte.

The former continues to be tracked by Saudi Pro League clubs while the latter has fallen out of favour under manager Ruben Amorim. The came be said for United’s own young English prospect in Kobbie Mainoo, who has opened the door to a departure after voicing his frustration with his lack of minutes under Amorim.

Anderson is now valued at around £75m, and Forest will be hoping to ward off interest in their key man. Their league position come the end of the season will likely play a large part in their ability to do so, with the club currently sitting 18th in the table.

Nadji is a football writer with over 10 years of experience covering the Premier League. His work has been featured on Football Fancast, Arsenal-Mania, and Arsenal.com, where he has built a reputation for delivering sharp analysis, engaging storytelling, and in-depth coverage of the game.