Man United ‘very keen’ on Elliot Anderson, insider reveals how he fared in ‘audition’
Nottingham Forest star Elliot Anderson has been heavily linked with a move to Man United as Ruben Amorim aims to bolster his midfield options.
Man United drew 2-2 with Anderson’s Forest side on 1 November, with all eyes on the midfielder’s display as the Red Devils continue to keep tabs on his performances.
Football Insider revealed on 24 October that Nottingham Forest have no plans to lose Anderson and Sean Dyche wants to keep him at the club long-term.
However, Man United are determined to land the England international, who has emerged among a number of options head of the January transfer window.
Meanwhile, Liverpool are also interested in Anderson and could be prepared to rival United in their ambitions of luring him away from Nottingham Forest.
Elliot Anderson impresses in Man United audition
Football Insider on 14 October that Anderson is Man United’s top target to strengthen in midfield as they continue to keep tabs on his progress.
Following his performance for Nottingham Forest against United, the club remain convinced he is the man to resolve their ongoing concerns in the middle of the park.
That is according to former Man United chief scout Mick Brown, who worked at Old Trafford for over a decade during their most successful period, as he exclusively told Football Insider that the midfielder impressed with his display against Man United.
“Anderson was very impressive again,” he told Football Insider.
“I don’t think how he played against United would’ve made too much difference either way, because they’re very keen on him regardless.
“But he certainly did himself no harm by turning in a good performance and proving to an extent what he could do if he stepped into their midfield.
“They see him as exactly the type of player they need, he’s all action, gets about the park, not afraid to put his foot in, and when he wins it back he can play it too.
“We’ve seen it when he plays for Forest and when he plays for England, and Man United have seen that and decided he would be a top target for them.
“So he impressed in the United game, and has of course impressed in a number of games this season.
“He’s ideal for what Man United need, but now it’s up to them whether they want to make a move, and he certainly did himself a few favours in that game.”
Despite Man United’s interest, however, Forest have no plans to sell Anderson and are increasingly confident of keeping him at the City Ground.
Man United assessing multiple midfield targets
Football Insider revealed last month that Man United are desperate to sign a new midfielder when the window opens, with a number of options on their radar.
The likes of Adam Wharton and Carlos Baleba are also believed to be on the Red Devils’ radar in case they are unable to agree a deal with Forest for Anderson.
However, Brown told Football Insider that Baleba failed to impress Man United during their 4-2 win against Brighton last month, leading to concerns.
Meanwhile, Football Insider revealed on 16 August that Baleba’s price tag could exceed £100million next summer with Brighton reluctant to let him leave.
All three of Baleba, Anderson and Wharton could cost Man United over £100million, and as a result could force them to look elsewhere in their pursuit.
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