Manchester United have identified Elliot Anderson as their top midfield target this summer, but will face strong competition from local rivals Manchester City for his signature.
Manchester United's priority this summer will be strengthening their midfield.
Casemiro will leave the club at the end of the season upon the expiry of his contract, bringing his four-year stay at Old Trafford to an end.
Manuel Ugarte could also leave the club this summer, with various reports claiming that the Uruguayan is growing frustrated over his lack of game time, especially since Michael Carrick's arrival.
Elliot Anderson is United's top target, but the Reds also have a long-standing interest in Carlos Baleba. United explored a deal to sign Baleba last summer, but the Seagulls were adamant that he was not for sale.
Sandro Tonali is another name on United's radar, but the costs that would be involved in a potential deal for the Italian midfielder are said to be higher than what United are willing to pay.
Fabrizio Romano Provides Anderson Update
Anderson has enjoyed an incredible season at Nottingham Forest and is now attracting serious interest from both United and Manchester City.
Nottingham Forest are expected to demand well in excess of £100 million for Anderson this summer, and their position in negotiations will be significantly strengthened if they can avoid relegation, which is now looking likely after their 3-1 against Burnley on Sunday afternoon.
Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has provided an update on the current situation.
“Manchester City already started talking with the agents of the player, but Manchester United remain in conversations for Elliot Anderson. Manchester United are not giving up," Romano explained.
“They know that Manchester City started their plan to sign the player a long time ago, but until the deal is done, Man United want to be there. Man United want to try, and they believe that having the opportunity eventually to offer Champions League football to the player could be important in order to try to get closer to Manchester City in this race.
“But what can make the difference is the negotiation with Nottingham Forest, and who’s going to pay what Nottingham Forest wants.”
Who Should United Sign If Anderson Goes To City?
Understandably, United want to go all out for Anderson, given how good he is, but most noises as of now point towards him moving to the blue side of Manchester.
If Anderson does indeed move to the Etihad Stadium, United should go all out for Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali.
Tonali is said to be high on United's shortlist, but the costs that would be involved in a potential deal, plus Tonali's gambling ban in the past, mean United are reluctant to push ahead with a move for the former AC Milan midfielder.
United's concerns are valid, but Tonali would be an excellent signing. Out of possession, he is one of the best midfielders in Europe, while he also has some brilliant qualities in possession.
He is also a goal-threat, which is something United will need to add to their midfield with Casemiro set to leave.
Newcastle would reportedly want close to £100 million to part ways with Tonali. Those demands are steep, but if United could negotiate that down to closer to £80 million, it would be a deal worth doing.