Nottingham Forest are bracing for what they hope will become a summer bidding war for midfielder Elliot Anderson, with both Manchester clubs expected to formally enter the race once the season concludes.
Transfer journalist Florian Plettenberg reported this week that Forest expect Manchester United to remain seriously in the race for Anderson’s signature, while Manchester City have also registered interest, though their current focus sits on extending Rodri’s contract.
Anderson, 23, has been one of the standout performers in the Premier League this season. His combination of defensive industry, passing range and physical durability has drawn comparisons with the top holding midfielders in Europe, and he is widely expected to play a central role for England at the 2026 World Cup in North America. That tournament, analysts warn, could push his fee well beyond even the £100 to £120 million Forest are currently demanding.
For United, the case for Anderson is straightforward. Casemiro’s departure is confirmed at the end of the season, and Manuel Ugarte has failed to establish himself since joining from PSG nearly two years ago. Michael Carrick’s resurgent United side has largely thrived by moving Fernandes into his natural number 10 role, but the midfield base still needs a significant upgrade for Champions League football.
Manchester City’s interest is shaped by a different problem. Rodri’s long-term future is uncertain amid links to Real Madrid, and his injury-hit recent period has highlighted how dependent City are on the Spaniard’s ability to control games from deep. If Rodri leaves or has his availability further compromised, Anderson becomes an immediate first-team requirement rather than a future investment.
Rio Ferdinand has been vocal about his preference. “It is Elliot Anderson, he is 23,” Ferdinand said on his YouTube channel. “He complements Mainoo, because I think Kobbie is going to be one of the main players in the team now, going to build around him and I think Elliot Anderson absolutely complements him.”
Forest’s strategy is simple and commercially rational. They want multiple clubs competing simultaneously, driving the price upward and removing any prospect of one of the Manchester clubs simply waiting out the other. With Anderson potentially starring at a World Cup on home soil, every additional week without a deal increases his value and Forest’s negotiating leverage.
No direct contact with Forest has been made yet by either club according to current reports. That window is likely to open the moment the domestic season ends. United are set to hold talks with Anderson’s representatives this week via intermediaries, suggesting they understand the need to move quickly.
The player’s own preference has not been reported definitively, though staying in England and stepping up to a major club appears the most logical pathway given his age and career trajectory. The more interesting question is whether City’s interest in keeping Rodri eventually pushes them out of the race entirely, leaving United with a cleaner run.