Manchester United aims to sign Nottingham Forest's midfield star, who is valued at £70 million! Newcastle's misstep benefits the Red Devils' pursuit.

Manchester United is looking to bring in Nottingham Forest's midfielder Elliot Anderson, with sources stating the club has set a price of at least £70 million for the 22-year-old newly capped England player. United aims to sign him for about £55 million instead.

Anderson joined Nottingham Forest in July 2024 for £35 million, but since his former club Newcastle United spent £20 million on goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos simultaneously, his effective transfer fee was only £15 million.

Newcastle was forced to sell their homegrown talent Anderson due to the Premier League’s Profitability and Sustainability Rules, but now they might regret it. According to "Jingji Net," the contract lacked any buy-back clauses or sell-on percentages; Newcastle wanted to include them but Nottingham Forest refused.

This situation helps Manchester United or other clubs pursue Anderson without worrying about Newcastle swooping in or Forest demanding a higher price to cover sell-on fees. However, Forest’s new coach Ange Postecoglou is determined to keep Anderson, who himself is in no rush to leave City Ground, with a contract running until the end of the 2028/29 season.

Since his transfer, Anderson has become a key player for Nottingham Forest, helping the team finish 7th in the Premier League last season and qualify for the Europa League. He also made his England debut earlier than another United target, Crystal Palace’s Adam Walton.

Anderson’s strong form has continued this season; with his impressive performance, he made his England national team debut against Andorra earlier this month and was even named man of the match. He then delivered another solid display against Serbia. British media have even compared him to the legendary Paul Gascoigne, despite their slightly different positions.

In those two matches, Anderson led English players in several statistical categories, including passes into the attacking third (66), ball recoveries (23), and successful duels (14). Additionally, among all midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues over the past year, he ranks in the top 1% for interceptions per 90 minutes (3.69) and top 3% for ball recoveries (6.88).

Former Manchester United scout Mike Brown stated that Anderson is exactly the balanced midfielder the club needs, effective both offensively and defensively.

“He covers the pitch tirelessly, is confident and composed on the ball, and isn’t afraid to engage in tackles — precisely the kind of midfielder Manchester United requires,” Brown said. “United see him as someone who can help solve many of the issues Amad Diallo faced. Everyone knows United wanted a midfielder this summer but struggled to find the right player at the right price. I don’t know Anderson’s exact value, but he’s been on United’s radar and is an ideal candidate to fill the team’s gap.”

Another midfielder recently linked with Manchester United is Brentford’s Yegor Yarmolyuk. Ukrainian journalist Volodymyr Zverov said, “I know Manchester United are very interested in him.”

Thomas Frank, now coaching Tottenham, praised Yarmolyuk highly: “He’s a fantastic pressing midfielder, energetic, covering most of the pitch. He’s strong in duels and has a forward-driving mindset. I also admire how he distributes the ball on the field.”

Although the 21-year-old is hailed as a future star and Brentford secured him on a six-year deal, the club won’t desperately hold on to him. They are prepared to consider offers starting at £30 million, a relatively affordable price among United’s potential targets.