Man Utd and Man City ready to go head to head in Elliot Anderson transfer battle

Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson promises to be one of the Premier League's most sought after players when the transfer window opens at the end of the season

Bitter rivals Manchester United and City will go head-to-head in a battle to sign Elliot Anderson this summer. The neighbours have both made the England and Nottingham Forest star one of their main transfer targets.

Anderson has emerged as one of the best midfielders in Europe since joining Forest from Newcastle for £35m in 2024. The 23-year-old has gone on to establish himself in the England team - and will be part of Thomas Tuchel's World Cup plans this summer.

United and City are both keen to strengthen midfield this summer - and will find themselves in a bidding war for the £75m-rated ace.

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But with the World Cup kicking off in June, it remains to be seen if either club can strike a deal before then. Anderson would want to have his future decided before heading to the tournament.

But he knows his stock will be even higher if he helps England succeed in North America. Anderson knows he could be relegated with Forest this season.

But whatever happens, he will have his pick of top clubs and believes he is ready to take that step up to the next level. United will have to secure Champions League qualification to stand a chance of beating City to Anderson's signature.

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Forest will have no choice but to cash in on Anderson if they make a return to the Championship. Anderson has refused to be drawn on his future and remains focused on helping Forest beat the drop.

He said: "It’s been a big two years. I think I’ve done pretty well, to be honest, in the time I’ve been here, on and off the pitch.

"I think I've matured as a person as well. Thanks to the club, really, for giving me that platform, going out there and playing and letting me do my stuff."