Man Utd Plot Late Swoop for Anderson as Ederson Deal Nears Completion

Manchester United's summer rebuild is gathering pace, with Brazilian midfielder Ederson set to become their first signing. The three-cap international has agreed personal terms on a five-year contract, with the two clubs ironing out a deal valued at approximately €45m / £38m.

Yet the Red Devils aren't content to stop there. With Casemiro heading for the exit and Manuel Ugarte also departing, United need fresh midfield reinforcements—and they're determined to make a splash in the market.

Michael Carrick's preferred option is Newcastle's Sandro Tonali, but the club's hierarchy have their sights firmly fixed on Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson. There's just one complication: Manchester City have already shaken hands on personal terms with the 23-year-old England international.

Club-to-club negotiations between City and Forest are advancing nicely around a £100m package, according to reports. Even more problematic for United's hopes is that Anderson appears entirely comfortable with the prospect of joining the Etihad, regardless of Pep Guardiola's imminent departure.

Fabrizio Romano has noted that United remain persistent in their pursuit, with decision-makers "calling and calling" for Anderson. Now, insiders suggest the Red Devils are preparing one final attempt to hijack the transfer—what would represent their most expensive signing on record.

"Insiders believe a deal for Elliot Anderson is well advanced and Guardiola's departure will not disrupt the transfer, even though Manchester United intend to make a serious play for the England international," according to reports from the i paper.

Time is rapidly running out. City expect to make substantial headway in negotiations with Forest before May concludes, leaving United with a narrow window to make their move.

Should the Anderson gambit fail to materialise, United have identified several alternatives: Tonali remains Carrick's dream target, while Carlos Baleba, Aurelien Tchouameni, and Adam Wharton are all on the radar.

Newcastle's position on Tonali may stiffen considerably, mind you. Having just banked £75m from Barcelona for Anthony Gordon's sale, the Magpies will be far more reluctant to part with their midfielder and will likely dig in their heels.