Manchester United are optimistic they can beat Manchester City to the signing of Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson, who is valued at about £100m. The 23-year-old is expected to start for England in their World Cup opener against Croatia on 17 June.
City have already had an £80m bid rejected by Forest, and United believe Anderson can be persuaded to move to Old Trafford. Anderson currently earns around £100,000 a week at Forest and could expect a 50% increase at either Manchester club.
United are also monitoring West Ham's Mateus Fernandes as an alternative, though the Hammers want about £80m for the 21-year-old Portuguese. Fernandes' wages were halved after West Ham's relegation, making a move financially viable for United.
United have already agreed a €40.5m (£35m) deal for Atalanta's Éderson, who will earn about £70,000 a week. Sir Jim Ratcliffe is prepared to meet Anderson's wage demands if he chooses United, despite ongoing cost-cutting efforts.
Meanwhile, Casemiro is expected to join Inter Miami, though complications remain over discovery rights and designated player slots. United are also interested in Brighton's Carlos Baleba, but the Seagulls expect the 22-year-old to stay.
