Man Utd in talks to sign £80m midfielder

Manchester United entered the summer transfer window with one player firmly at the top of their shortlist – Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson.

The 23-year-old has been one of the division’s star performers in recent months, ultimately resulting in his regular starting role for England at the ongoing World Cup.

Michael Carrick’s men have constantly been linked with a mega-money move for the youngster ahead of the 2026/27 campaign, but such a move now appears to be dead in the water.

Rivals Manchester City have seen a £116m bid accepted this week – a figure which is way above what the Red Devils wanted to fork out.

As a result, INEOS and the new manager have been frantically exploring other options lower down their shortlist to try and complete their objective of overhauling the midfield department.

Man Utd enter talks to sign £80m Anderson alternative

In an attempt to improve the options available at the heart of the United squad, United have been just one of many Premier League clubs linked with a move for West Ham United star Mateus Fernandes.

Tottenham Hotspur, Liverpool and Arsenal have all also been touted with an interest in the 21-year-old who’s set to leave the London Stadium after suffering relegation with the Hammers.

However, like Anderson, a deal would cost the hierarchy a pretty penny, as Nuno Espírito Santo’s side have slapped an £85m price tag on the Portuguese star.

He’s not the only player currently being considered by INEOS at present, with Bournemouth star Alex Scott another who is hugely admired by staff at Old Trafford.

According to Sky Sports, United have already reached out to the Cherries and held discussions over what’s needed to secure a move for the English star.

The report also states that Marco Rose’s outfit see the 22-year-old talent as untouchable and are extremely unlikely to entertain any offers for his signature.

Despite Sky not mentioning a fee for his services, other outlets have reported that the South Coast club could be tempted to sell if they receive an offer in the region of £80m.

Why Scott would be Carrick’s own Anderson for United

Missing out on Anderson, especially to rivals Manchester City, will be a bitter pill to swallow for United fans – but the club are making the right decision to step away from a deal.

£120m for a player who has enjoyed one major breakthrough year could also be seen as a risk – with such a fee £30m more than the Red Devils have ever paid for a player.

Other top options have appeared on their shortlist over the last few weeks, as INEOS attempt to ramp up their interest in achieving their goal of overhauling the midfield.

Fernandes is just one player who has been constantly linked with a summer switch to Old Trafford, but the Red Devils’ closest alternative to Anderson would be Bournemouth’s Scott.

The 22-year-old enjoyed his own superb campaign in England’s top-flight throughout 2025/26, subsequently missing just one game for Andoni Iraola’s men.

The midfielder certainly will feel hard done by after missing out on Thomas Tuchel’s England squad for the ongoing World Cup – but did travel to America for the pre-tournament camp.

However, when comparing his stats to those of Anderson from the recent campaign, Scott managed to match or better the £120m man in various key areas.

The Cherries star managed to register more clearances and interceptions than the Forest man per 90 – highlighting his excellent ball-winning capabilities.

Such an area is where Anderson has gained his reputation over the last few months, with Scott showing he’s able to still produce the goods without the ball at his feet.

However, in possession, the 22-year-old has often got the upper hand over the £120m talent, as seen by his higher pass accuracy and more chances created per 90.

Scott also achieved a better dribble success rate in the Premier League last campaign – leading to former Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola labelling him as “unbelievable.”

There’s no doubt that the Bournemouth star is a player who is also destined for great things in his career, with a move to Old Trafford potentially allowing him to leapfrog his compatriot in Tuchel’s England plans.

However, if United are to secure his signature in the months ahead, a mammoth £80m would be needed to be forked out by INEOS – a near club-record transfer fee.

Should he continue on his current trajectory upon any move to Manchester this window, there’s no reason why Carrick can’t develop the youngster into a better player than Anderson.