Manchester United have stepped away from the pursuit of Elliot Anderson after Manchester City made a bid worth more than £120 million for the 23-year-old. United are not willing to pay that kind of fee and will not engage in a bidding war with their local rivals, especially as the midfielder prefers a move to the Etihad.
There is an expectation that City and Nottingham Forest will agree on a fee, ending United's chances of signing their primary target. The club now wants to focus on players who are keen to join, and they are looking at other midfield options.
Mateus Fernandes: The Leading Candidate
The current frontrunner is 21-year-old Mateus Fernandes, who is set to leave West Ham after their relegation. However, the Hammers have set a price tag of more than £80 million for the Portuguese youngster, and that fee will need to decrease before a deal can be completed.
Other Targets
United remain admirers of Carlos Baleba, having tried to sign him from Brighton last summer. The Seagulls wanted over £100 million and would also have to lower their demands. Alex Scott is another young, Premier League-proven midfielder that United have shown interest in. Scott has been with the England squad in the United States but is not part of the 26-man World Cup squad.
The chances of signing Aurelien Tchouameni from Real Madrid also appear to be fading, with Jose Mourinho keen to keep the France international.
