Elliot Anderson transfer could be done before World Cup but Man United and Man City face £100m fight for second midfielder

Nottingham Forest are yet to receive any formal bids for Elliot Anderson but are braced for offers before the World Cup, talkSPORT understands.

Anderson is the leading target for Manchester City and Manchester United and both clubs have held talks with the player’s camp.

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City are optimistic on persuading the England midfielder to join and are prepared to move even if Rodri signs a new contract.

Yet United also view Anderson as their top choice ahead of Sandro Tonali and Adam Wharton.

The Newcastle and Crystal Palace midfielders are also under consideration, but Tonali’s fee and wage are currently viewed as less value for money.

And sources say Wharton is deemed similar to Kobbie Mainoo in profile leading to other options being looked at ahead of him as it stands.

Manchester United’s plan is to add two senior midfielders this summer, and City will sign at least one, but could also go for a second if Rodri is sold, and with club captain Bernando Silva leaving on a free transfer at the end of the season.

There is overlap between the two Manchester clubs in targets with City also appreciating Tonali.

Newcastle could be open to a sale for the Italian but for a fee of £100million or more.

City and United have also both scouted Atalanta’s Ederson in the past, but the Brazilian midfielder is close to joining Atletico Madrid this summer having already agreed terms.

United have also considered Wolves’ Joao Gomes, Stuttgart’s Angelo Stiller and Al-Hilal’s Ruben Neves in previous windows.

And West Ham’s Mateus Fernandes has been linked with a move to Old Trafford with some reports suggesting Bruno Fernandes has recommended signing him.

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talkSPORT understands talk of a Fernandes exit is premature and West Ham will fight to keep the midfielder, even though that task may prove difficult should the Hammers go down.

Forest’s Anderson stance

Both City and United want to try for Anderson first before assessing other midfielders and hope the player will pick his favoured destination before the World Cup since a strong performance for England could only raise his value further.

Forest are currently focused on trying to stay in the Premier League and both Manchester clubs know Evangelos Marianikis is in no mood to negotiate now at such a crucial stage in the club’s season.

talkSPORT understands the Forest owner will handle an Anderson exit personally with global head of football Edu set to depart at the end of the season.

The ex-Arsenal sporting director has been on gardening leave since January.

As important as getting Anderson buy in will be meeting Forest’s valuation, which is not clear cut as of now.

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Reports on the fee required have ranged wildly from £65million to £120million, but talkSPORT understands neither City or United have been quoted a price yet.

Anderson’s valuation is likely to depend on several factors, including whether Forest stay in the Premier League and if European football is secured.

Forest can only achieve it by winning the Europa League and have a quarter-final first-leg against Porto on Thursday, and could go on to face Aston Villa in the last four if Unai Emery’s side beat Bologna.

Forest will fight to keep Anderson if they can somehow achieve Champions League football by winning the Europa League, but in the absence of it the 23-year-old is expected to seek a move away with a transfer to one of the two Manchester clubs his most likely destination.

Anderson coy on Forest future

When asked about his future while on England duty last month, Anderson remained tight-lipped.

He said: “Obviously we’ve got the World Cup this summer so all my eyes are on that.

“Playing for England, I’ve got the badge on now so that’s all I’m thinking about at the moment.

Asked if he felt confident he would be in the team at the start of the tournament, Anderson replied: “I want it that way. But I’ve got a season left with Forest.

“I’ve got plenty of games and there’s plenty of time until then. I’ve got to keep my standards high and make sure that happens.”