Manchester United are said to be drawing up an offer for Lens midfielder Mamadou Sangare as a potential alternative to Elliot Anderson. Manchester City have already tabled a bid worth upwards of £120million for the Nottingham Forest star.
City lodged a verbal offer of £106m, with an additional £15m in possible add-ons, which is said to have been rejected by Forest. Such a deal would surpass the £105m Arsenal shelled out for Declan Rice back in 2023.
Both City and United had Anderson firmly in their sights as a top midfield priority this summer. However, the 23-year-old is understood to favour a switch to City, who are now pushing to thrash out an agreement with Forest.
United Turn to Alternative Targets
As a result, United look set to turn their attention to other midfield options. Sangare has emerged as one such candidate, with the French media outlet Foot Mercato claiming United have been won over by his progress and long-term potential, and are now readying a formal approach.
His market value is estimated at around £34m, though the French club are reportedly holding out for considerably more. United are also unlikely to find themselves alone in the hunt for his signature this summer.
The 23-year-old has drawn attention following an outstanding debut season in Ligue 1 after joining for just €8m (£6.9m). The box-to-box midfielder has been instrumental in Lens' remarkable second-placed finish in the French top-flight.
Sangare's Development
Sangare recently told the French media outlet RFI how his game has developed, with the young star honing stronger defensive capabilities.
He said: "I love going to defend against the opponent. I really made progress on that... I really like this aspect of my game, because it really makes me happy to go get balls."
Other Midfield Moves
Atalanta midfielder Ederson is poised to become Michael Carrick's first signing this summer. United have struck a £35m agreement and the Brazilian is expected to pen a four-year contract with the option of an additional year.
United had hoped to wrap up the transfer in early July, but that timeline is now expected to slip after the 26-year-old received a Brazil squad call-up as a replacement for the injured Wesley.
