Sir Jim Ratcliffe is willing to satisfy Elliot Anderson’s salary requirements as Manchester United are understood to remain in contention against Manchester City for his services. Nottingham Forest’s substantial £100million valuation and City’s strong pursuit led Old Trafford bosses to initially accept defeat and explore alternative midfield targets.
Atalanta’s Ederson quickly became their priority and a £38m agreement for the Brazil international, who has received a late World Cup call-up, has subsequently been completed. A second midfield acquisition is now under consideration with West Ham United star Mateus Fernandes, Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton and Brighton’s Carlos Baleba all attracting interest.
Nevertheless, The Guardian are reporting that United remain determined to secure Anderson with claims that club executives are optimistic they can pip City to his signature. Despite the considerable expenditure required, it has been suggested that Sir Jim would be willing to meet Anderson’s wage request.
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The 23-year-old currently earns £100,000 per week at the City Ground and whichever Manchester outfit he joins, a 50 per cent rise is anticipated. City have already submitted an offer that was turned down and are now preparing a second proposal exceeding £80m, though that remains well short of Forest’s valuation.
A stellar World Cup for Anderson with England could even prompt them to ask for more. He is anticipated to line up alongside Declan Rice in midfield for the Three Lions’ group-stage curtain-raiser against Croatia.
United star Kobbie Mainoo is likely the primary back-up choice to both while Marcus Rashford is locked in a tussle with Anthony Gordon to feature at left wing. The former remains determined to secure a permanent switch to Barcelona which has led him to reject potential transfers to Arsenal, Newcastle United, Tottenham and most recently German champions Bayern Munich.
View 2 ImagesManchester United believe they could beat Man City to sign Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest(Image: Getty Images)
Despite not featuring for United in 18 months, potential replacements within the squad for Rashford are being examined. Everton’s Iliman Ndiaye has surfaced as a target in recent weeks while Yan Diomande was also under consideration, though he looks destined for a switch to either Paris Saint-Germain or Liverpool should he depart RB Leipzig.
Much like Anderson, Diomande shining at the World Cup could influence his future with Ivory Coast set to meet Ecuador, Germany and Curacao.
United appeared poised to sidestep such a holdup with Ederson, but he has been selected by Carlo Ancelotti as the replacement for the injured Wesley.
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