Manchester United could be set to face a transfer setback for their £100million target, with their rivals, Manchester City, ‘keen’ to sort a deal early.
With only one week left in the January transfer window, it remains unlikely that Manchester United will conduct any business.
It was rumoured that the Reds could look to bring in a new midfielder, although it now seems as if this may wait until the summer, when a decision will be made regarding a permanent manager.
As well as this, the likes of Kobbie Mainoo and Joshua Zirkzee were linked with a winter departure from Old Trafford due to their lack of involvement under Ruben Amorim, although since the arrival of Michael Carrick, their stances have since changed.
With the Reds seemingly less active this winter than their neighbours, Manchester City, they could be set to miss out on their £100million transfer target.
City ‘work early’ for Anderson
As reported by Caught Offside, Nottingham Forest are expected to sell their star, Elliot Anderson, in the next few months amid interest from a plethora of elite clubs.
Forest are hoping to sell Anderson for around £100million, with the likes of Manchester City, Chelsea, and Bayern all interested, alongside United.
The 23-year-old asking price has made City early favourites for the Englishman, with £100million being deemed problematic for a couple of the interested sides.
As stated in the report, “City have been keen to do their work early on this deal.” This follows their recent acquisitions of Antoine Semenyo and Marc Guehi.
Can United brave a wait?
With Pep Guardiola’s side not playing to their usual standards, it is understandable that they are keen to get their business done early, although this could foil United’s summer plans.
Anderson has been on the Reds’ radar for a fair while now, and could be the perfect addition to their midfield, especially if they are to continue adopting a 4-2-3-1.
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United’s patience may come back to bite them if they are to wait until the summer to move for the 23-year-old, meaning that they may need to try and agree a deal before the season comes to an end.
It will be difficult for the Reds to fend off their bitter rivals in this transfer saga, although, qualifying for the Champions League could give them the allure that they desire.
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