Manchester United have reportedly abandoned plans to compete with Manchester City for Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson, leaving their rivals with a clear path to complete one of the biggest transfers in Premier League history.
The 23-year-old has been one of the most sought-after midfielders in Europe following another outstanding campaign at Forest, with both Manchester clubs closely monitoring his situation throughout the year.
While Anderson has long been admired by Manchester United’s ownership group, INEOS, the Old Trafford hierarchy have now decided the financial demands involved make a deal impossible to justify.
Reports suggest United explored the possibility of making a move but ultimately concluded that Forest’s valuation was simply too high.
That decision could hand Manchester City a major advantage.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, City’s pursuit of Anderson is now gathering momentum after Nottingham Forest rejected a second offer worth a reported £121 million.
The proposal included £106 million upfront and a further £15 million in performance-related bonuses.
Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis is said to have immediately turned down the offer, insisting that any deal would require at least £120 million in guaranteed payments before negotiations could progress.
Despite that rejection, City remain determined to secure Anderson’s signature.
Romano reports that talks are continuing and that the Premier League champions are preparing to return with an improved offer as they attempt to reach an agreement with Forest.
The midfielder is also believed to favour a move to the Etihad Stadium.
“Anderson still wants to go to Manchester City,” Romano said, adding that United are not planning to enter the race or attempt to hijack the transfer.
The development represents a significant shift in United’s recruitment strategy.
Although Anderson was highly rated within the club, decision-makers were unwilling to become involved in a bidding war that could exceed £120 million.
Instead, United are expected to continue exploring alternative midfield targets as Michael Carrick looks to strengthen his squad ahead of the new season.
One player previously linked with both Manchester clubs was Newcastle United’s Sandro Tonali.
However, reports now suggest the Italian international is leaning towards a move to Tottenham Hotspur, further increasing City’s focus on Anderson.
If the transfer is completed at the figures currently being discussed, it would shatter several records.
Anderson would become Manchester City’s most expensive signing, surpassing every previous acquisition in the club’s history.
He would also become Nottingham Forest’s biggest-ever sale and the most expensive midfielder in Premier League history, eclipsing the £115 million Chelsea paid Brighton for Moises Caicedo.
Only Liverpool’s £125 million capture of Alexander Isak would rank above Anderson among the most expensive transfers ever completed by an English club.
For now, Forest remain in a strong negotiating position.
The club have shown no urgency to sell and are demanding a fee that reflects Anderson’s importance to their long-term project.
However, with City pushing aggressively to complete the deal and United stepping aside, the transfer saga appears to be moving firmly in one direction.
The coming days could determine whether Anderson becomes the latest superstar to arrive at the Etihad in a record-breaking move.
