Premier League club ‘actively encouraging’ summer bidding war between Man Utd and arch-rivals for their coveted star

April 9, 2026 · Yahoo Sports

Nottingham Forest are said to be ‘actively encouraging’ Manchester City and Manchester United to ignite a bidding war for Elliot Anderson this summer, according to TeamTalk.

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The two Manchester outfits have both firmly set their sights on securing the midfielder’s signature before 2026/2027 gets underway.

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Elliot Anderson: The state of play

However, only one can reign victorious in the race, and United are ready to go toe-to-toe with their arch-rivals in hopes of persuading Anderson to make the switch to Old Trafford instead of the Etihad.

(Anderson’s record in the Premier League for Forest and Newcastle United, courtesy of Transfermarkt)

Despite speculation suggesting City are favourites, Forest have reportedly sought to make it clear that no deal has been agreed as of yet.

In fact, the player’s suitors might even have to wait until after the World Cup to hold concrete negotiations, as Anderson’s sole focus come the end of the season will be representing England at the tournament and going as far as possible.

Forest poised to begrudgingly sanction Anderson’s exit

In the meantime, you can understand Forest wanting to secure themselves as high a fee as possible.

Anderson has been one of their main men in the two campaigns he’s represented them, and played an integral role in Forest qualifying for Europe last term following an emphatic year at the City Ground.

There is also a lingering possibility that the Midlands outfit, who currently sit 16th-placed in the Premier League, could drop back down to the Championship in the coming month, so having ample funds to reinvest in the squad could be the difference between them coming instantly back up to the top flight or not.