Here we go!: heartbreak for United as major rivals clinch deal for top summer target – Fabrizio Romano, David Ornstein

Manchester City and Nottingham Forest have reached an agreement over a deal for Manchester United midfield target Elliot Anderson. United interest Heading into the summer window, Anderson is believed to have been United’s top target. Despite Forest battling to beat the drop for large parts of the campaign, Anderson still caught the eye with his dominant performances in the middle of the park. United’s interest in the player was well known, although it was apparent from very early on that his preference was to join City. A report covered by The Peoples Person relayed that United were still hopeful of luring him to Old Trafford but over the past few days, it became clear that City were in pole position for his signature. City had an opening offer for Anderson turned down earlier this month. This first bid was worth £106m up front, with potential add-ons taking it in excess of £120m. United’s cross-town rivals followed that up with an improved verbal bid, which was also rebuffed by Forest. Moments ago, the reliable David Ornstein confirmed that City had tabled a third and improved offer, which has now been accepted. Anderson to City agreement reached According to Ornstein, “Manchester City have agreed a deal to sign Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest. The agreement follows a fresh and improved offer from City as they pushed to close the gap in valuations between the clubs.” “The deal is the subject to the 23-year-old finalising personal terms at the Etihad Stadium.” This has been corroborated by Fabrizio Romano who wrote on X, “BREAKING: Elliot Anderson to Manchester City, here we go! Deal in place between the clubs after long talks.” “Manchester City sources confirm agreement now done after talks at final stages as reported last week.” “Anderson asked Forest today to go and leave the club. Medical in the US.” 🚨🔵 BREAKING: Elliot Anderson to Manchester City, here we go! Deal in place between the clubs, fee up to £130m.#MCFC sources confirm agreement now done after talks at final stages as reported last week. Anderson asked Forest today to go and leave the club. Medical in the US. pic.twitter.com/9lWGxWyS3w — Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 25, 2026 John Percy of The Telegraph notes that City and Forest have agreed a deal worth up to a record £130m. Manchester City have agreed a deal worth up to a record £130m for Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson. Final talks today centred on structure of bonuses. Anderson to undergo a medical imminently. More to follow @TeleFootball #nffc #mcfc — John Percy (@JPercyTelegraph) June 25, 2026 This eclipses the previous £125m British record fee that Liverpool paid Newcastle for Alexander Isak last summer. United’s other midfield targets include West Ham’s Mateus Fernandes and Aurelien Tchouameni of Real Madrid. Featured image Dan Istidene via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Derick Kinoti Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the Premier League extensively for years. His work blends sharp analysis, tactical insight, and engaging storytelling that resonates with fans around the world. Derick has gained valuable experience in football journalism, developing strong expertise in SEO writing, digital content creation, and social media engagement. A tech enthusiast with a Computer Science degree from the University of Nairobi, he ultimately swapped code for football commentary, bringing an analytical, detail-oriented approach to his writing. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!