Elliot Anderson was the standout midfielder in his Manchester United audition at Old Trafford over the weekend.
The Nottingham Forest talent impressed with his physicality and attacking instincts in Manchester, assisting both of his side’s goals with pin-point crosses.
After the full-time whistle, Gary Neville urged his former club to sign Anderson. However, a report suggests, United could be forced to look elsewhere for their marquee midfield signing.
Sandro Tonali more realistic target for Manchester United
According to talkSPORT, Nottingham Forest may be resigned to losing Elliot Anderson, but they are unlikely to make it a straightforward path for his suitors.
Firstly, United face strong competition from Manchester City for the England international.
The report further states: “Figures of £100million have been mooted as a potential transfer fee for the former Newcastle academy graduate, and that could spell the end for United’s interest before an approach for the player was even made.”
talkSPORT’s chief football correspondent Alex Crook believes United would be better suited turning their attention to Sandro Tonali.
A cheaper option
It is suggested Tonali is determined to leave Newcastle United, having made his intentions clear since January.
“He (Tonali) wants out of Newcastle he’s wanted out since January, that’s why we had that story come out on Transfer deadline day that he’d been offered to Arsenal,” Crook said.
United are believed to be interested in the Italian midfield dynamo.
Furthermore, the 26-year-old is expected to be “cheaper than many of those names on their list, certainly cheaper than Elliot Anderson.”
Tonali is an exceptional athlete who likes to carry the ball and burst forward. However, he lacks Anderson’s vision and composure to dictate the tempo of play.
Feature image Carl Recine via Getty Images
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