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Manchester United are stepping up their pursuit of Elliot Anderson as they aim to fend off Manchester City’s interest in the Nottingham Forest midfielder.

As reported by The Guardian, senior officials at Old Trafford believe they can outmanoeuvre their city rivals to sign the 23-year-old England international, who is currently valued at around £100 million by Nottingham Forest.

Manchester City are widely regarded as favourites to secure Anderson’s signature, with the midfielder expected to start for England in their World Cup opener against Croatia on 17 June. Forest have already turned down City’s opening bid of £80 million, but United remain hopeful of convincing the player to choose them instead.

The Red Devils are also active on other midfield fronts and have agreed a €40.5 million (£35 million) deal for Atalanta’s Éderson, who will earn roughly £70,000 per week once the transfer is finalised.

Anderson, meanwhile, currently earns around £100,000 per week at Forest but is expected to receive a 50% pay rise should he join either Manchester club. Despite Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s desire to streamline the wage bill, the club’s co-owner is prepared to meet Anderson’s salary demands to bring him to Old Trafford.

Director of football Jason Wilcox is simultaneously monitoring alternative targets, including West Ham’s Mateus Fernandes. The 21-year-old midfielder is admired by United, though West Ham’s £80 million asking price could be unrealistic. Fernandes’ salary, which was halved following the Hammers’ relegation, would still fall comfortably within United’s financial structure.

Wilcox already has a connection with Fernandes, having previously signed him for Southampton in 2024. Brighton’s Carlos Baleba is another name under consideration, though the Seagulls are confident of keeping hold of the 22-year-old midfielder.

United’s search for midfield reinforcements has been spurred by the departure of Casemiro, which has reduced manager Michael Carrick’s options in the centre of the park. The Brazilian is expected to join Inter Miami, though the move faces complications as LA Galaxy hold his MLS discovery rights, meaning Inter will need to negotiate compensation. Additionally, Inter Miami currently do not have a free designated-player slot to accommodate his wages, but club officials remain optimistic that both issues can be resolved.

For now, the primary focus remains on Elliot Anderson. Manchester United believe they have a strong chance of winning the race, even though current indications suggest Manchester City still hold the upper hand.