INEOS ‘pivoting’ away from ‘first‑choice target’ as Manchester City now grow ‘favourites’ for the £100 million midfielder has reshaped the summer 2026 transfer narrative. Even as Manchester United have turned their attention to Sandro Tonari of Newcastle United and Adam Wharton of Crystal Palace, the focus on Nottingham Forest’s England international Elliot Anderson has shifted toward the Etihad, according to a transfer journalist.
Manchester United’s director of football, Jason Wilcox, had listed Anderson as a priority early in the window. In November 2025 a transfer correspondent reported that United had made the Forest midfielder their “main midfield target for 2026” after his move from Newcastle United in 2024 source. The Athletic later confirmed that “in midfield, Elliot Anderson is United’s first‑choice target” source.
Forest, fighting a relegation battle, were unlikely to entertain a January exit, but a summer departure remained possible even if the club retained Premier League status. By early February 2026, reports indicated that United’s interest in Tonari and Wharton signalled a “pivot away from Anderson” source. The pivot aligns with United’s broader midfield restructuring after the confirmed departure of Casemiro at the end of the season.
Manchester City emerges as the frontrunner
Sources close to the club say Manchester City, now overseen by former Newcastle midfielder Hugo Viana as director of football, are preparing a “big move” for Anderson. Forest have valued the England international between £80 million and £100 million (up to €115 million, $136.2 million) source. City have already opened dialogue with Anderson’s representatives and the midfielder is reportedly willing to swap the City Ground for the Etihad, even if Pep Guardiola departs at season’s end.
Anderson’s enthusiasm for a potential move is tied to the prospect of working under Xabi Alonso or Cesc Fabregas, both of whom are being linked to replace Guardiola at the Etihad source. A transfer journalist, Pete O’Rourke, said on the Transfer Insider podcast that “Manchester City are regarded as the favourites for his signature if he does end up leaving Forest” source.
O’Rourke added that Newcastle United, despite manager Eddie Howe’s public desire to re‑sign Anderson, are “down the pecking order” because they lack Champions League football and would struggle to meet the £100 million price tag under the Premier League’s profit‑and‑loss sustainability rules and UEFA’s financial‑fair‑play regulations source. This financial reality further cements City’s position as the leading bidder.
What the £100 million price tag means
The valuation range of £80‑£100 million places Anderson among the most expensive English midfielders in recent years. For United, the shift toward Tonari—who is also linked with a £100 million fee according to a separate report GiveMeSport—suggests a strategic reallocation of budget toward a player with Serie A experience. City’s willingness to meet Forest’s valuation indicates a continued commitment to reinforcing a midfield already stocked with Kevin De Bruyne, Rodri and Bernardo Silva.
Both clubs face UEFA’s Financial Fair Play (FFP) constraints, yet City’s recent revenue growth and commercial backing provide a broader fiscal cushion than United’s, whose recent sponsorship restructuring has tightened spending limits.
Broader transfer dynamics
Anderson is not the sole player caught in the United‑City tug‑of‑war. United have reportedly opened talks with a Manchester City defender source, while also scouting a Norwegian right‑back who has attracted interest from Newcastle source. City, meanwhile, continue to pursue striker Igor Thiago despite his new Brentford contract source, and have received a “big bid” from Leeds United for a bench‑warmer source. These parallel negotiations illustrate the depth of the summer market and the overlapping ambitions of the two clubs.
What’s next for the midfielder?
Forest have not issued an official statement on a potential sale, but the club’s financial reports suggest that a £100 million injection would significantly aid their long‑term stability. City’s next step is expected to be a formal bid, likely before the end of the transfer window’s opening weeks, while United are expected to finalize their pursuit of Tonari and Wharton.
Fans and pundits alike will watch for official confirmations from the clubs and from UEFA’s registration office, which will verify the compliance of any deal with FFP rules. Until then, the narrative remains that Manchester City are the favourites to secure the £100 million midfielder, while Manchester United have redirected their resources toward alternative targets.
Follow the developments and share your thoughts on how this shift could reshape the midfield battles at both Old Trafford and the Etihad.
