Sir Jim Ratcliffe has reportedly given the green light to meet Elliot Anderson's wage demands as Manchester United re-enter the transfer battle with Manchester City for the Nottingham Forest midfielder. The 23-year-old England international has been valued at £100 million by Forest, a figure that initially forced United to explore other options.
United's Midfield Plans
After securing a £38 million deal for Atalanta's Ederson, who is expected to be a late World Cup call-up, United are now targeting a second midfield signing. Names like Mateus Fernandes (West Ham), Adam Wharton (Crystal Palace), and Carlos Baleba (Brighton) have been linked, but Anderson remains a priority.
According to The Guardian, United executives are confident they can beat City to Anderson's signature. Ratcliffe's willingness to meet the player's wage demands—currently £100,000 per week at Forest—has reignited the chase. A 50% salary increase is anticipated regardless of his destination.
City's Pursuit and Forest's Stance
Manchester City have already seen a bid rejected and are preparing a second offer exceeding £80 million, still short of Forest's valuation. A strong World Cup performance from Anderson, who is expected to start alongside Declan Rice against Croatia, could drive the price higher.
United's Marcus Rashford, meanwhile, is focused on a permanent move to Barcelona, turning down interest from Arsenal, Newcastle, Tottenham, and Bayern Munich. Potential replacements include Everton's Iliman Ndiaye and RB Leipzig's Yan Diomande, though the latter may move to PSG or Liverpool.
Ederson's deal was delayed due to his World Cup call-up, but he is seen as a replacement for the injured Wesley at Atalanta. United hope to finalize their midfield revamp swiftly, with Anderson as the key target.
