Paul Scholes tells Man United to hijack Man City transfer for £100m rated star

Manchester United legend Paul Scholes has called on his former club to pip Manchester City to Elliot Anderson’s signature.

Anderson’s future looks set to dominate the rumour mill this summer, with talkSPORT previously revealing Nottingham Forest are expecting a wave of offers for the midfielder before the World Cup commences.

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United and City have already held talks with Anderson’s camp, with both clubs looking to add at least one senior midfielder in the upcoming transfer window.

However, Anderson is set to cost a pretty penny this summer, with Forest expected to want around £100million for the England international.

With City set to lose Bernardo Silva when his contract expires and Rodri expected to be one of Real Madrid’s top targets this summer, Pep Guardiola is on the look-out for some fresh faces to add to his midfield.

But Scholes urged the Red Devils to swoop in for Anderson, who he firmly believes would handle the step-up in competition, especially at the Champions League level now that United have returned to Europe’s elite club competition.

Scholes’ verdict on Anderson to United

“I really liked him when I was at Newcastle,” Scholes told Andy Goldstein and Gabby Agbonlahor on talkSPORT’s Sports Breakfast.

“Newcastle had to sell him, didn’t they, with the PSR and that kind of stuff. But yeah, what I’ve seen of him has been nothing short of brilliant, really.

“What he’s done for Forest has really been Europa League. He’s still got to go to that next level and he’s done it with England.

“England games are very hard to gauge really because I don’t think they’re playing the best competition until they get to the World Cup.

“When bigger games come, then we’ll get a better idea and he will still have to test himself in the Champions League. But he looks to me like he’d be able to handle it. Absolutely no problem.

“But as I say, I think one or two will be needed, not just the one.

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“But Anderson and Mainoo, I think I’d be happy with that for the start of next season.

Fans got a glimpse of what an Anderson and Mainoo partnership in midfield would look like when they lined up together for the first time in England’s 1-0 loss to Japan in March.

On the Kob

Should Anderson be presented with his choice of the Manchester clubs to join, he may look at Mainoo’s remarkable resurgence under Red Devils interim boss Michael Carrick as a sign his game could reach new heights.

Mainoo, a graduate from United’s academy, had been frozen out by former United boss Ruben Amorim and was subsequently linked with a move away in the January window.

In fact, Mainoo’s only start this season on Amorim’s watch this term came during their embarrassing Carabao Cup exit to Grimsby Town last August.

But Carrick’s arrival heralded an almighty turnaround for Mainoo, as he has started all but one league fixture under the Red Devils great.

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Mainoo’s improved fortunes also earned him a bumper new deal until 2031 that included a six-fold salary increase.

Which other midfielders have United been linked with?

Should United fail in their pursuit of Anderson, they won’t be hasty in pivoting to other targets.

talkSPORT understands the Red Devils also have Atalanta midfielder Emerson on their summer shortlist.

The Italian outfit value Emerson at £42m, although he is out of contract in 2027.

Also on United’s radar is Real Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni, although Real sources have told talkSPORT the France international is happy at the Spanish club.