Manchester United target Elliot Anderson is emerging as one of the most in-demand midfielders in Europe, with a Spanish heavyweight now also contemplating joining the race.
After flying under the radar and staying out of the gossip columns last summer, it almost feels as though Anderson took it personally.
Interestingly, while Nottingham Forest have struggled for consistency this season, Anderson has continued to stand out.
His brilliance has not only attracted growing interest but also earned him England call-ups, during which he has impressed.
A complete midfielder, Anderson is capable of playing any role in the centre of the park and executing it with precision.
His well-rounded skillset, blending technical proficiency, tactical intelligence, and impressive athleticism, makes him the ideal engine-room presence for any manager.
Initially, it was Premier League clubs who dominated the conversation around his future. However, it has now emerged that Real Madrid are also a team to watch in this race.
Los Blancos impressed by Anderson
According to Spanish outlet Defensa Central, “Elliot Anderson is also being followed by Calafat and is very popular at the Bernabéu.”
Such revelations will no doubt concern the midfielder’s suitors; few players can resist the lure of Madrid.
However, the same report offers a degree of reprieve, admitting:
“For now, Real Madrid haven’t made a final decision.
“The problem is that he has several suitors, including Liverpool and Manchester United, and his price tag wouldn’t exactly be cheap.”
While the Xabi Alonso-led side are keen to add another midfielder, Defensa Central also note:
“They want to sign one, but not at any price, because they already have many top-quality midfielders.”
Encouragement for United
For INEOS, such an update will be encouraging.
Madrid’s reluctance to spend big on a midfielder leaves them less of a threat, not just in the Anderson race, but also in the pursuit of Adam Wharton.
Premier League battle brewing
Ultimately, the Anderson sweepstakes could remain a Premier League affair.
Manchester City are reportedly prepared to offer £75 million to win the race.
Newcastle, meanwhile, still harbour hopes of re-signing their former academy product.
As for United, they are closely monitoring the situation, with Fabrizio Romano hinting that they are weighing up whether to break the bank for his signature.
While all signs point to a summer move should the England international decide to leave the City ground, it will be fascinating to see how the race unfolds between now and then.
Featured image Carl Recine via Getty Images
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Daniel Onguko
Dan is a writer with The Peoples Person, an avid Manchester United fan whose passion for the Red Devils evolved into writing about them. He was introduced to United back in 2008, and his love for the club has continued to grow ever since. Like every other United fan, he believes the club will soon return to its rightful place and strives to reflect that belief in his writing. While he has also written about other Premier League sides, including Arsenal for Just Arsenal and The Arsenal Analysis Blogspot, Dan lives and breathes Manchester United.
