United make contact over blockbuster deal for “top target”, record-breaking bid needed – David Ornstein

Manchester United’s pursuit of Elliot Anderson is becoming increasingly difficult as the Red Devils face obstacles in every direction to agree a deal for the 23-year-old midfielder, according to David Ornstein. First-Choice Target A midfield revamp is the urgent priority at Old Trafford this summer, with Casemiro set to leave a massive gap once the Brazilian‘s contract expires at the end of the season. The abject performances of Manuel Ugarte in his stead have done little to solidify the Uruguay international’s long-term future either. Two big-money recruits are expected to arrive to fix this stalling engine room as INEOS focus on options with Premier League experience, mirroring their approach last year to fix the misfiring attack after the arrivals of Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha. Nottingham Forest maestro, Anderson, who is set to star for England at the World Cup in June, is the club’s primary target. Competition from the blue half of Manchester will be fierce for the Whitley Bay native, however, with the two rivals set to go toe to toe for his signature. There are conflicting reports on which side is leading the race, as well as the expected price to prise Anderson from the City Ground. However, the consensus is that Manchester City are frontrunners, while Ornstein has now provided clarity on the expected financial packages in a report. Record-Breaking Fee It was understood that Forest would demand a fee in the region of £100 million to part ways with their prized asset. But the looming prospect of relegation, even though the Tricky Trees are in the semi-finals of the Europa League, would weaken their negotiating position, with a report relayed by The Peoples Person suggesting a drop as low as £65m. Ornstein, the gold standard for transfer updates, rejects this, however, instead revealing Forest want a record-breaking fee for a Premier League midfielder to sell Anderson this summer. The Athletic reporter states: “If they sell, Forest want to break the Premier League transfer record for a midfielder, and if they stay true to that, will both [Manchester clubs] be willing to pay it?” The current record stands at £115m after Chelsea paid that mammoth fee to sign Moises Caicedo from Brighton & Hove Albion, indicating Forest want an even higher amount than that for Anderson. A further complication for United is the Englishman’s wage expectations, given he currently “earns in excess of £100,000 per week”. Ornstein contends he will want an “extremely high salary”, the type more readily available at the Etihad than Old Trafford, as City’s successful pursuits of Antoine Semenyo and Marc Guehi in January proved. “Clubs are calling Forest but they are focusing solely on the end of their campaign, with no proper negotiations for now. And Anderson is said to be behaving impeccably in not agitating for a move. He also has a World Cup to think about,” the ‘Ornacle’ concludes. Final Thoughts Anderson is undoubtedly the best midfielder in the Premier League not already plying his trade for one of the country’s top clubs. Possessing a potent pairing of technical and physical attributes which few can match, he is a force to be reckoned with in and out of possession. There is a reason Ornstein describes the 23-year-old as the “top target” for INEOS. The other midfielders high on United’s list – Carlos Baleba, Adam Wharton and Sandro Tonali – do not come close to offering the same level of completeness in all phases of play, meaning a record-breaking fee for Anderson is one worth paying the piper for. The Red Devils will just have to hope their noisy neighbours do not strike first, as they did for Semenyo to steal the perfect Christmas present from the Old Trafford faithful. Featured image Michael Regan 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 Darragh Fox Darragh is an editor for The Peoples Person who spent three years learning about the Cold War at the University of Sheffield slowly realising football was by far the most interesting thing to write about. Amad’s first touch should be officially recognised as the eighth wonder of the world.