Man City ‘plan to accelerate Elliot Anderson move’ and beat Man United to the deal
Man City are planning to step up their interest in Elliot Anderson ahead of the January transfer window as they aim to bolster their squad.
That is according to former Man United and Blackburn chief scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that Pep Guardiola is a big admirer of the Nottingham Forest midfielder.
This comes after former City financial adviser Stefan Borson told Football Insider that Man City are interested in Anderson and could make a move to sign him.
The England international has become one of the most highly sought-after players in the Premier League, and is also wanted by the likes of Liverpool and Man United.
However, City believe they can get ahead of their rivals by moving quickly for his signature, and are considering making a move when the window opens.
Man City plan to beat Man United to Elliot Anderson deal
Brown told Football Insider last month that Man United are very keen on Anderson and hope to sign him after being impressed by his recent performances.
However, the former scout who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, has insisted City could now swoop ahead of their rivals to do a deal quickly.
“Unfortunately, I think Anderson would be perfect for Man City,” he told Football Insider.
“He would be a top option for quite a few clubs, I look at him as the answer to Man United’s midfield problems, and Liverpool are looking at him too.
“Long-term, he’s an answer to a lot of club’s prayers, and now City want him.
“I’m told Guardiola is a big fan of his and would want to bring him in if he became available, and they’re looking at maybe doing that in January.
“Because of the interest in him, it’s probably a case of whoever moves quickest gives themselves the best chance of getting a deal done.
“Whether it’s possible in January or not will be up to Nottingham Forest, but it’s something City want to do and he’s somebody they do want to bring in.
“There are a few areas they want to strengthen in to bring in a bit more stability, especially if players are leaving, but the midfield is going to be key for them.”
Nottingham Forest stance on selling Anderson revealed
Nottingham Forest are extremely reluctant to lose Anderson given his importance to the team and remain hopeful of keeping him at the club.
Football Insider revealed on 24 October that Sean Dyche will not let Anderson leave and has no intentions of weakening his squad mid-way through the season.
This comes after sources told Football Insider that Dyche may not receive any new players in January and could be made to work with the squad at his disposal.
This makes fending off any suitors for Anderson imperative in order for the ex-Burnley manager as he aims to continue his positive start at the City Ground.
The England international is under contract at Forest until 2029, placing the club in a strong position with regard to his long-term future and the growing interest.
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