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Manchester City may be about to beat their local rivals to another top transfer target in the coming summer market, according to new claims.
The race to strengthen midfield ahead of the 2026/27 campaign is already intensifying, and few names are generating more discussion than Nottingham Forest’s standout performer, Elliot Anderson.
The 23-year-old has enjoyed a meteoric rise since leaving Newcastle United for the City Ground in 2024, evolving into one of the most complete central players in the division, and starring on the international stage, too.
Comfortable operating as both a dynamic No.8 and an advanced creator, Elliot Anderson’s blend of ball-carrying power, tactical intelligence and defensive intensity has drawn admiration from recruitment teams across England.
His development was further underlined by a senior international call-up from Thomas Tuchel last year, cementing his reputation as one of the country’s fastest-rising midfielders. And Manchester City’s interest forms part of a broader strategy to refresh key areas of Pep Guardiola’s squad with Premier League-proven talent.
According to the information of Etihad Stadium insider ‘Tolmie’s Hairdoo’ on X, Manchester United are currently briefing the media that they like Nottingham Forest and England midfielder Elliot Anderson – but cannot compete on wages.
In fact, it is claimed that Old Trafford transfer officials ‘were told weeks ago’ that the former Newcastle United midfielder is headed to Manchester City during the upcoming summer transfer window.
Should the move materialise, it would mark another significant victory for Manchester City in direct competition with their cross-town rivals, with recent windows having seen Guardiola’s side edge similar contests.
From a tactical standpoint, Anderson’s versatility would provide Guardiola with fresh options in central areas, particularly as succession planning continues for senior figures – particularly club captain Bernardo Silva.
Elliot Anderson’s ability to transition between deeper build-up responsibilities and advanced attacking zones fits neatly into Manchester City’s evolving structural demands. Financially, any agreement would require Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis to soften a firm negotiating stance, with the Midlands club under little pressure to sell.
Yet if reports prove accurate, the direction of travel appears increasingly clear, and Manchester City could once again be poised to strike first in the Manchester transfer derby ahead of another pivotal summer.