Manchester City and Manchester United are both being linked with a move for Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson ahead of the summer transfer window, according to recent reports. The two Manchester clubs are understood to be monitoring the 22-year-old as they shape their squads for next season, with Anderson’s development at Forest drawing increased attention from top Premier League sides.
Anderson, who joined Nottingham Forest from Newcastle United in 2024, has built a reputation as a versatile, energetic midfielder capable of operating in several roles across the middle of the pitch. His performances have reportedly attracted a range of admirers, but interest from both City and United underlines how highly he is viewed within the division. Each club is expected to assess its midfield options in the coming months, and Anderson is believed to be among the names under consideration.
At Manchester City, the recruitment team routinely targets young players who combine technical ability with tactical flexibility, fitting into a system that demands high work rate and composure in possession. Anderson’s blend of pressing, ball-carrying and willingness to play in multiple positions could appeal to City’s football structure as they plan for both immediate depth and longer-term succession in midfield.
Manchester United, meanwhile, have also focused on adding energy and dynamism to their midfield group. With a squad that has undergone gradual change in recent seasons, United are often linked with emerging Premier League talents who can contribute now while still having room to grow. Anderson’s age profile and top-flight experience with Forest align with that approach, making him a logical subject of interest.
Nottingham Forest, for their part, have given Anderson a platform to play regular first-team football and continue his progression. The club’s stance over any potential transfer, including whether they are prepared to entertain offers or would prefer to keep building around him, has not been made public. Any decision is likely to depend on several factors, including Forest’s own plans for the squad and the scale of offers that may arrive.
With the summer window still to come, the situation remains at the rumor and scouting stage rather than at the point of active negotiations being confirmed. No fee, contract details or timeline for a move have been disclosed, and neither Manchester club has made an official statement regarding Anderson. As is often the case in the buildup to a transfer window, interest can evolve quickly, with multiple teams tracking the same player before formal talks begin.
For now, Anderson continues as a Nottingham Forest player, and his performances over the remainder of the season are likely to influence how strongly potential suitors pursue him. Manchester City and Manchester United are expected to continue monitoring the midfielder closely, with his name likely to remain part of the wider transfer conversation as clubs across the Premier League refine their plans for the summer.
