Manchester United remain intent on signing Elliot Anderson, with club executives optimistic they can beat Manchester City in the race to acquire the 23-year-old midfielder, valued at about £100m by Nottingham Forest.
City are considered favourites to sign Anderson, who is expected to start in England's opening World Cup match against Croatia on 17 June. Forest have rejected City's initial £80m bid, and United believe the player can be persuaded to move to Old Trafford.
Jason Wilcox, United's director of football, is also monitoring Mateus Fernandes as an alternative midfield option, though West Ham's £80m valuation is seen as potentially unrealistic. United have already agreed a €40.5m (£35m) deal with Atalanta for Brazil midfielder Éderson, who is expected to earn approximately £70,000 a week.
Anderson's salary at Forest is around £100,000 a week, and he can expect a 50% increase regardless of which Manchester club he joins. Sir Jim Ratcliffe remains intent on trimming costs but is prepared to meet Anderson's wage demands. Anderson has a contract until June 2029 but is widely expected to depart this summer.
Fernandes, whose wages were halved after West Ham's relegation, would fit United's budget. United are also interested in Carlos Baleba, though Brighton expect the midfielder to stay. Casemiro is expected to join Inter Miami, but complications remain over LA Galaxy's discovery rights and a lack of a designated player berth.
