Elliot Anderson’s transfer clause position as Manchester United ‘explore £70m move’

According to ex-Old Trafford scout Mick Brown, Manchester United is interested in signing former Newcastle United striker Elliot Anderson.

Anderson, who made 55 appearances for the Magpies after emerging through their development system, went to Nottingham Forest for £35 million in July 2024.

The decision to let the brilliant 22-year-old depart was criticised at the time, but Eddie Howe’s team was required to sell to comply with Profit and Sustainability (PSR) regulations. In a simultaneous transaction, reserve keeper Odysseas Vlachodimos was transferred to Newcastle for £20 million.

Manchester United are said to be interested in a move for Elliot Anderson (Image: Getty Images)

Anderson’s potential to become a top-tier Premier League player has been a source of anxiety for Newcastle, but he appears to be fulfilling those expectations.

Anderson played a key role in Forest’s seventh-place finish last season, which qualified them for the Europa League this season. His outstanding performances have continued this season, culminating in his England senior debut against Andorra earlier this month, under Thomas Tuchel.

Anderson was rewarded with a second cap for England’s encounter against Serbia, where he once again shone.

Anderson’s performances at Forest and on international service have sparked speculation regarding his future. According to former United manager Brown, the Reds are considering a move.

Elliot Anderson’s form has propelled him into the England squad(Image: Nikola Krstic/Shutterstock)

“Man United have been looking at Anderson,” Brown told Football Insider. “He’s done a fantastic job at Nottingham Forest, and then he came into the England team and was man of the match.” United see him as the type of midfielder they want to bring in.

“He gets up and down the pitch, he’s confident and safe in possession of the ball, and he’s not afraid to make a tackle, which is something they require.

“Anderson would address, or at least assist with, many of the challenges they’ve had under Amorim. Everyone knows they wanted a midfielder in the summer, but they couldn’t locate one who was available at the right price.

“I am not sure how much Anderson would cost, but he has been on their radar. He would be the ideal player to fill the squad’s holes.

According to reports, Forest are asking for at least £70 million for Anderson, which is twice what the Reds spent for him just over a year ago. At the moment, it is thought that the midfielder has no intention of leaving The City Ground.

However, if he moves to Manchester, could Newcastle be entitled to compensate through a prospective sell-on agreement?

Chronicle Live understands the Magpies do not have a buy-back option, despite suggestions that the club can activate particular stipulations in his contract with Forest.

If Newcastle want Anderson back, they’ll have to pay the full market price for the midfielder, who is currently increasing in value with each performance. It’s been suggested that Newcastle may not have a sell-on provision in Anderson’s contract, which might be a huge disadvantage if he’s sold for a high price.

Anderson was not the only player Newcastle had to release last season to comply with PSR regulations. The Magpies sold Yankuba Minteh to Brighton and Hove Albion for around £30 million.

However, letting Anderson go was always a risky decision that may backfire – and it did.