Manchester United no gree give up for Elliot Anderson. Club executives believe say dem fit beat Manchester City for race to sign the 23-year-old midfielder. Nottingham Forest value am at around £100 million.
Jason Wilcox, United director of football, dey also watch Mateus Fernandes as another option to strengthen midfield for Michael Carrick squad. West Ham want about £80 million for the 21-year-old Portuguese, but some people think that fee too high.
City be favourites to sign Anderson, wey go start for England opening World Cup match against Croatia on 17 June. Forest don already reject City initial £80 million bid. United believe dem fit convince Anderson to come Old Trafford.
Anderson salary for Forest dey around £100,000 per week, and e fit get 50% increase no matter which Manchester club e join. Sir Jim Ratcliffe, United co-owner, dey ready to meet Anderson wage demands if the former Newcastle player choose United over City.
Anderson get contract until June 2029 with Forest, but everybody expect am to leave this summer. Fernandes, wey no dey Portugal World Cup squad, bin dey earn about £70,000 per week for West Ham. But that salary cut by 50% after West Ham relegation from Premier League last month. Any salary e go get for United fit enter Ratcliffe budget.
Wilcox bin be Southampton director of football when Fernandes sign for the south-coast club in August 2024. E move to West Ham 12 months later, and Kyle Macaulay, wey be then head of recruitment for West Ham, oversee that move. When Graham Potter sack as manager in October, Macaulay leave and join United as head of senior scouting.
United also dey interested for Carlos Baleba, but Brighton believe the 22-year-old Cameroon midfielder go remain for south coast. Casemiro, wey departure from United weaken Carrick midfield options, dey expected to join Inter Miami for MLS.
But because LA Galaxy own the 34-year-old discovery rights, Inter must agree compensation with LA Galaxy before any deal go through. Inter no get free designated player berth wey fit allow Brazilian wage demand, so that be another problem. But club officials confident dem fit overcome am.
