Man Utd risk another Semenyo-like blow as Man City launch onslaught for primary INEOS target

Manchester United could miss out on Elliot Anderson , as Manchester City are keen to lure him to the east side.

After revamping their attack last year, the Red Devils are expected to pull off a major overhaul in the middle of the Park in 2026.

United are currently being linked with various profiles, who could make the move in January, the likes of Ruben Neves and Ruben Loftus-Cheek. However, the most reliable sources believe INEOS will hold out until the summer, when their main targets will become available.

Over the past few months, a host of names have landed on Jason Wilcox’s shortlist, but many have identified Anderson as the ultimate top target for the club .

The 23-year-old is an academy product of Newcastle United, who joined Nottingham Forest in the summer of 2024 on a deal worth circa £35 million.

Since then, Anderson has cemented himself as one of the most complete midfielders in the country and has gone on to earn six caps with the English national team.

(Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images)

But while Man Utd are keen to sign Anderson in the summer , their crosstown rivals are apparently looking to sabotage their plans, as they did with Antoine Semenyo earlier this month.

According to Caught Offside , Man City are making important progress on the Anderson front, as they aim to anticipate the competition ahead of the summer. Pep Guardiola’s club has already held talks with the player’s entourage, reveals the report.

As the source explains, Forest hold all the cards, as they have the midfielder under contract until June 2029.

The Europa League club will only sell Anderson ‘on their terms’, as the source explains, and they’re expected to request a figure in the region of £100 million, if not more.

While the Cityzens don’t tend to be rattled by this sort of hefty demands, it remains to be seen if Man Utd will be able to hang in the race, which could also feature another heavy-spender in Chelsea.

If United fail to land Anderson, they could turn towards other up-and-coming Premier League midfielders, particularly Adam Wharton and Carlos Baleba.