- Man Utd need to leave Elliot Anderson race
- Man City are closing in on Nottingham Forest midfielder
- Red Devils must focus on World Cup winner
Manchester United should admit defeat in the race for Elliot Anderson as Manchester City closes in on the Nottingham Forest midfielder. The England star has been a top target for the Red Devils but prefers a move to the Etihad.
According to TEAMtalk, City are “accelerating plans” to complete Anderson’s acquisition. They have started talks with Forest and are willing to break their transfer record to sign him.
If United needed any other indication that the 23-year-old is heading to their rivals, he’s already agreed personal terms in principle with the Citizens. Pep Guardiola’s departure hasn’t changed the situation, and he’s a player whose replacement, Enzo Maresca, is keen on.
Man Utd must bite the bullet with Anderson
Should this report be true, it undoubtedly means United needs to stop trying to persuade the player to change his mind. There’s been little sign of him considering Old Trafford, and it’s foolish to enter a summer trying to sign a player who prefers the club’s neighbours.
This also allows INEOS to focus on more viable signings, such as West Ham United’s Mateus Fernandes. The Portuguese midfielder isn’t quite the Casemiro heir that Anderson would be, but he is an excellent market opportunity given West Ham United’s need to raise £100m.
Forest are demanding a fee of over £100m for Anderson and that would eat away at United’s transfer budget. There are still several high-profile names on the Red Devils’ wishlist who are fully capable of replacing Casemiro.
Time for Tchouameni
Take, for example, Aurelien Tchouameni, who has yet to downplay speculation growing over a possible switch to the Theatre of Dreams. He should now take the top spot on INEOS’ shortlist of midfield targets.
You could argue Tchouameni is the ideal Casemiro replacement, especially given he replaced the Brazilian at Real Madrid. The Frenchman is a terrific holding midfielder with years of experience winning trophies at the Santiago Bernabéu.
The 26-year-old has just over two years left on his contract, meaning this summer is an important one for the La Liga giants to decide his future. They won’t want him to head into the final year of his contract come January 2027.
If United can convince the player to make the move, Madrid are reportedly open to a sale. A decision over the French star will likely be made by Jose Mourinho who has taken charge of the Spanish heavyweights.
