Manchester United will not be drawn into a costly bidding war with Manchester City for Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson this summer, per ESPN.
Anderson has caught United’s eye after another outstanding campaign. However, their neighbours have also identified him as a key target ahead of the transfer window.
The Red Devils have been monitoring Anderson closely for some time and view him as a player who can refresh their midfield unit.
But the £120 million price tag has significantly cooled interest at Old Trafford, particularly with City also circling.
The Red Devils are expected to spend heavily this summer, but club officials want to avoid inflated deals as part of a wider restructuring strategy.
If Anderson is unattainable, Man United have alternative midfield targets on their shortlist.
The Red Devils are looking at Carlos Baleba, Aurelien Tchouameni and Sandro Tonali.
United’s transfer strategy makes sense
Man United deserve credit for refusing to overpay here.
Anderson is a superb footballer. He is a top player with a strong character. His energy, ball progression and duelling would improve almost any midfield in England.
However, anything above £75 million feels excessive in the current market, especially for a player who is not yet among the world’s elite midfielders.
United cannot afford another era of emotionally driven spending. There are better-value options available, including Monaco’s Lamine Camara.
The Senegal international is an outstanding young midfielder with the grit, tactical intelligence and composure United desperately need.
He covers ground aggressively, progresses possession cleanly and already plays with maturity beyond his years. He is expected to move this summer.
If United are serious about building smartly, Camara is exactly the signing they should pursue instead of entering another nine-figure frenzy.
