Man Utd Dismiss Anderson's Price Tag as Nottingham Forest Dig In Against Man City

The summer transfer window is barely upon us, yet the Anderson saga already threatens to become the transfer market's great stalemate. Nottingham Forest's valuation of their England midfielder has effectively priced him out of reach for England's biggest clubs, and Manchester United aren't holding back their frustration.

According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Manchester City tabled a £121m offer earlier this week—comprised of £106m upfront with £15m in add-ons—only to have it swiftly rejected. Forest's demands are audacious: they want Anderson to become the Premier League's most expensive midfielder ever, surpassing the records set by Declan Rice and Moises Caicedo.

United have already completed their first midfield reinforcement, securing Atalanta's Ederson, but the pursuit of additional reinforcements continues. Beyond Anderson, targets have included West Ham's Mateus Fernandes, Newcastle's Sandro Tonali, and Lazio's Fisayo Dele-Bashiru. However, a social media account comprising five prominent reporters has revealed that United value Anderson at £80m—and view anything beyond that figure as frankly unreasonable.

"Manchester United value Elliot Anderson at £80m. They think anything more is a disgrace," the account stated, citing club sources.

Romano's latest analysis suggests the situation could shift in coming days. Manchester City, he notes, possess alternatives in their midfield hunt, with Sandro Tonali also firmly on their radar despite Arsenal's competing interest. Whether Forest will budge from their record-breaking demands remains the burning question as clubs weigh their options and budgets.

United's wider summer agenda includes targets at left-back and left-wing, with potential moves also possible for a striker or centre-back should the opportunity arise.