Fabrizio Romano has revealed the latest on Manchester United’s stance on a deal for Elliot Anderson in the summer transfer window.
Manchester United are expected to move for two new midfielders in 2026, although it is still unclear whether any signings will arrive during the January window.
Last summer, United’s recruitment team identified Carlos Baleba as their ideal midfield target, but Brighton’s valuation of £100 million or more proved too steep, prompting the club to withdraw. Personal terms had already been agreed, with Baleba keen on the switch.
United have also maintained a strong interest in Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson, while Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton has regularly been cited as another possible option.
Baleba remains a prominent candidate for a summer move, and Atletico Madrid’s Conor Gallagher is increasingly being linked with a potential January transfer.
Romano reveals United’s stance on Elliot Anderson deal
Anderson has been shining at Nottingham Forest this season and many fans believe that he would be the ideal signing for United in the summer.
Other clubs are also interested in the English midfielder, such as Manchester City and Chelsea. Fabrizio Romano has explained how he is ‘very high’ on United’s list.
The Italian reporter has suggested that the Reds will be ‘serious contenders’ for the Forest star when the summer window opens.
“Not yet, still too early. Also, because, as you say, it is going to be a summer move. So it’s still early to mention a frontrunner,” he said of Anderson.
“For sure, I can tell you that he’s very high on the list of Manchester United, together with Carlos Baleba. There are two, three players that Man United are tracking. I think they will be busy with midfielders in 2026 and Anderson is one of them, for sure.
“So I’m sure United will be in the conversation. Then there are going to be plenty of clubs keen on him. Also, the ones you mentioned, Man City are also going to look for midfielders. Let’s see what happens at Chelsea.
“So I think it’s going to be a big battle. But at the moment, what I can say is that Man United, for sure, have mentioned his name several times internally, and so I expect them to be serious contenders at the table.”
Will United’s midfield targets change?
It remains to be seen whether the sacking of Ruben Amorim at Old Trafford will have any impact on their midfield signings this year.
United were playing in a midfield two under the Portuguese boss and so any signings in the engine room would need the physicality to thrive in that shape, and Anderson certain fit that description.
However, even now with a midfield three, the Premier League demands physicality and it is unlikely that United’s preferences change for that position.
It does feel like the Reds need to sign a controller at the base of their midfield too, with that profile lacking in the squad right now.
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