As bidding wars for Elliot Anderson hit record heights, the Red Devils pivot toward Alex Scott and Mateus Fernandes to bolster Michael Carrick’s midfield at Old Trafford.
The football world was hit with a rather stunning news drop last night as David Ornstein confirmed that Manchester City had tabled a second bid to sign Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest.
After their first bid of around £80 million was rejected, news emerged that a second verbal offer of £106 million plus a further £15 million in add-ons had been sent and rejected.
Anderson, of course, is Manchester United's dream midfield target, although they have been strong in stating that they refuse to get dragged into any bidding wars this summer.
Forest rejected City's second offer, stating that they wanted a British transfer record fee, currently set by Alexander Isak's £125 million move to Liverpool last summer, for the midfielder.
United focusing on Premier League duo
Amid Ornstein's report, he also stated that United's interest in the player is well known, but that the club are simply not in contention for him at the current financial levels.
United are refusing to enter a bidding war, and will only go for targets that indicate a preference to join them, just like Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha, and Benjamin Šeško did last summer.
The football transfer guru also took the time to mention two names the club are keen on; Bournemouth's Alex Scott and West Ham's Mateus Fernandes, both of whom have been reportedly valued at over £80 million by their respective clubs.
The Guardian have reported that United may now look to end their interest in Anderson following the rejection of City's second bid.
Internal chaos at West Ham causing issues
Roundtable understands that club-to-club talks for Fernandes have already taken place between United and West Ham as Michael Carrick looks to secure a second midfielder after Atalanta's Ederson.
Despite the club-to-club talks commencing, internal chaos after David Sullivan stepped down as co-owner amid recent controversies has caused communication issues.
Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain have been credited with interest in the 22-year-old, although it's understood that the Portuguese talent is favouring a move to Old Trafford ahead of others.
United have no intention of paying the £80 million asking price for Fernandes, but with West Ham having only signed him last summer for around £40 million, it may be reasonable to assume that a final price may land at around £60 million.
With United having spent £35 million on Ederson already, a fee of around £65 million would take United over the £100 million mark – and the club are already keen on bringing in a third midfielder if Manuel Ugarte is sold.
