Elliot Anderson is in excellent form at the moment. The 23-year-old Nottingham Forest defensive midfielder is the club’s best player at the moment. In addition, he also entered the England national team this year and performed well there.

Understandably, a number of big clubs are already chasing his signature. Both Manchester clubs have been linked with Anderson recently. Manchester United reportedly want him as a long-term option in midfield, but Anderson is reportedly keen to join Manchester City.

Elliot Anderson’s club and country team form

Anderson made 55 appearances for his boyhood club Newcastle United before arriving at Nottingham Forest. This is his second season at Forest and so far he has made 59 appearances for his new club, scoring three goals.

However, it is clear that as a defensive midfielder for Nottingham Forest, scoring goals is not his strong suit. He provides the team with a sense of assurance and defensive stability in midfield. He also won several Man of the Match awards for the Three Lions.

He has only made six appearances for England so far, but has become one of the most talked-about players in the squad. As a result, Elliot Anderson’s form has seen him named in the national team XI alongside Declan Rice.

As well as performing well throughout the rest of the season, Anderson will also get a chance to showcase his talents as a player at next year’s World Cup. Therefore, there is no doubt that he will be one of the players who are favored in the transfer campaign next summer.

However, that’s assuming clubs like Manchester City and Manchester United don’t call for him during the January transfer window. If that happens, we might find Anderson switching allegiances next month.

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Manchester City and Manchester United both need a defensive midfielder

The City Citizens have Rodri and Nico Gonzalez, but the former has been injury prone of late. Furthermore, he will turn 30 next year and therefore may not be a suitable long-term option for the club. Nico Gonzalez’s performances for Manchester City have been decent at best, but he has yet to cement his place in the starting XI.

Manchester United’s situation is even more desperate. This season they have Bruno Fernandez playing as a double defensive midfielder with Casemiro, which is definitely not the Portuguese’s favorite playing position.

Furthermore, Casemiro is 33 years old and his best years as a player are behind him. Therefore, United need to sign a player like Anderson, especially when the youngster named Kobe Mainu finds himself out of favor with manager Ruben Amorim.

Manu has played just 10 games for Manchester United this season and has been linked with a move to Arsenal.

Anderson could be a good replacement for him, but United’s inability to secure regular Champions League football might persuade Anderson to ultimately choose Manchester City. No matter which club he chooses to join, there is no doubt that he will attract a huge transfer fee.

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Recording date: December 3, 2025