Ruben Amorim receives clear message on 'special' Man Utd transfer target as rivals circle

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Manchester United have been encouraged to push through a deal for Nottingham Forest 's Elliot Anderson after claims he would be a "special" addition to the squad. Ruben Amorim is believed to be searching for midfield reinforcements, particularly as Kobbie Mainoo has slipped down the pecking order under the Portuguese head coach.

Additionally, Casemiro is in the final 12 months of his Old Trafford deal and is yet to commit his future to the club. United have been strongly linked with a swoop for Forest star Anderson , who has been in impressive form this season.

Manchester City are also reportedly monitoring the 23-year-old midfielder, who under contract at the City Ground until June 2029. Forest are said to be reluctant to part with Anderson during the January window , even if bids approaching £100million arrive.

However, reports suggest potential suitors believe an offer exceeding £80m might be enough to persuade club owner Evangelos Marinakis to reconsider his stance. Former Premier League striker Dean Saunders has now urged United to make their move and pip City to Anderson's signature.

The ex- Wolves and Wrexham boss reckons he could prove instrumental in helping Amorim drive the club forward.

Speaking to BoyleSports , he said: "Elliot Anderson understands the position. He understands when he should go forward and who he's playing with. He doesn't give the ball away, which is a common trait among the best players I ever played with.

"They've all got one thing in common - they don't give the ball away and he's one of them. He's getting better. Forest just needs to get a few more wins and get him up the league so he can play without the pressure being on him.

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" Manchester United picked up another win at the weekend, which is keeping the wolves from the door. Matheus Cunha , Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko , I think they're better than what they had. They've signed three good players there and adding Anderson to it would be special.

"Ruben Amorim has just got to keep surviving. He's just got to keep getting three points when he needs it and giving himself time to work this jigsaw puzzle out."

Multiple clubs are reportedly lining up to secure Anderson's signature, with the midfielder earning widespread acclaim for his commanding performances since arriving at Forest just over 12 months ago. Whilst a move back to former club Newcastle has been dismissed due to financial constraints, Liverpool are also believed to be monitoring his situation closely.

Anderson's impressive form has earned him a place in the England squad, with manager Thomas Tuchel singing his praises. The German tactician has hailed Anderson as an "important" player for the Three Lions, despite the midfielder having only accumulated six caps to date.

Speaking last month, Tuchel said: "Anderson is a key player for us at the moment. He is one of the best midfielders in the Premier League - that's why he is with us and starting for us. He deserves it because he has been nothing but impressive. He has to keep on going now though.

'He is a very complete and mobile midfielder, and that's what he keeps showing me. He is an elite player with the right attitude and a lot of talent. He is fulfilling his role in the best way possible so we are very happy with him."

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