Manchester United are willing to walk away from the transfer race to sign midfielder Elliot Anderson from Premier League rivals Nottingham Forest, a new report said. Apart from the known inclination of the 23-year-old towards local rivals Manchester City, the price tag is also forcing them to turn back, the report added.
Manchester United want to sign three, if not two, promising midfielders in the upcoming summer transfer window. They want to build a team that could become a formidable force in the years to come and are investing in youth. Thus, overspending on one player is not an option, and the same has already been communicated to Anderson's camp.
A strategic retreat by Manchester United?
The humiliation of potentially losing out to City after a long pursuit could also be a reason to withdraw now. Additionally, continuing with the deal could cost them valuable time that could be used elsewhere. Thus, they will back out of the race altogether so that the right alternatives can be quickly finalised and roped in.
As per latest information, the immediate trigger for the Red Devils was Nottingham Forest demanding around £120 million (€139 million) for their young midfielder. This is far more than what United are willing to spend for a midfielder, given their plan to make multiple signings this summer, TEAMtalk said in a report.
Why Elliot Anderson?
Ball recovery rate, mobility, and the ability to move forward: these are the factors that have reportedly influenced Manchester United's decision to track Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson. Once linked to Real Madrid, the former Newcastle United talent reportedly joined Forest for a sum around £35 million and has established himself as one of the most valuable young players in the Premier League. United were said to have been keeping an eye on him previously, but nothing materialised. Since his arrival, the Englishman has established himself as a mainstay in the team's midfield.
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Anderson's current deal with the Premier League club runs until 2029, which places Nottingham Forest in a strong negotiating position. It is reported that Anderson prefers Manchester City over any other team, and it is only a matter of time before Pep Guardiola’s team make the deal official.