Anderson favors move to City
Early preference
Reporting from journalist Sacha Tavolieri indicates that Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson has privately expressed a preference for joining Manchester City rather than Manchester United. People familiar with the discussions have described City as the destination Anderson is most interested in if the clubs can reach an agreement.
Anderson, still in the early phase of his Premier League career, is viewed as one of England’s most promising young midfielders. His rise has attracted increasing attention as both Manchester clubs look to rebuild key areas of their squads.
Why the price matters
Forest are said to be holding firm at an asking price of roughly £100 million, according to Tavolieri. For context, transfer fees of that scale are typically reserved for established international stars, which explains why negotiations have slowed. Manchester City are reportedly reluctant to match the valuation at this stage, and neither side appears ready to compromise.
High fees can play an outsized role in Premier League negotiations because clubs must comply with financial sustainability rules, meaning even wealthier teams are cautious about major spending. This creates a natural pressure point in deals involving young talent.
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City’s potential plan B
If discussions fail to progress, Tavolieri notes that City have continued monitoring other midfielders in Europe. The leading fallback option is believed to be Atalanta’s Brazilian midfielder Éderson, who has become one of Serie A’s standout performers over the past two seasons. While no formal approach has been made, City’s interest suggests they are preparing alternatives should Forest’s valuation remain unchanged.
Éderson’s profile fits City’s style of play, which relies heavily on athletic midfielders capable of contributing both defensively and in buildup phases. His emergence as a possible option underlines how quickly City may shift focus if the Anderson talks stall.
What this means for United
Manchester United have not been entirely ruled out, but Tavolieri’s reporting suggests they are operating from a less advantageous position. United’s midfield rebuild is expected to continue this summer, but Anderson’s preference gives City a natural edge unless the financial landscape changes.
With the summer transfer window approaching, movement could accelerate within weeks. City must decide whether Anderson’s long-term potential justifies the fee or whether redirecting efforts toward Éderson offers a more realistic path. Forest, meanwhile, are waiting for clarity on whether any club is prepared to come close to their valuation.
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For fans outside the football world, situations like this highlight how modern transfers involve not only talent and interest but also complex financial negotiations, player preferences, and broader club strategies. These factors often determine whether a high-profile move becomes possible.
Sources, Sacha Tavolieri
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