Elliot Anderson transfer: Man Utd enter race for midfielder after City bid rejected

Manchester United remain keen on signing Elliot Anderson with insiders saying they can beat Manchester City to the midfielder.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe is prepared to meet Anderson's wage demands as United remain in the race against for his signature.

Nottingham Forest's hefty £100million asking price and City's firm interest saw Old Trafford chiefs initially concede defeat and look elsewhere for midfield additions.

Ederson of Atalanta swiftly became their focus and a £38m deal for the Brazil international, who is set to be a late World Cup call-up, has since been wrapped up.

But United are looking to sign at least one more midfielder with Casemiro leaving and extra demands with Champions League football next season.

West Ham United star Mateus Fernandes, Adam Wharton of Crystal Palace and Brighton's Carlos Baleba have also been linked as well as another frontrunner Sandro Tonali.

But United remain intent on signing Anderson with it claimed that executives at the club are confident they can beat City to the deal, reports the Guardian.

Despite the significant funds needed, it has been claimed that Sir Jim would be prepared to meet Anderson's wage demands.

The 23-year-old is on a weekly salary of £100,000 at the City Ground and regardless of which Manchester club he joins, a 50 per cent increase is expected.

City have already lodged a bid that was rejected and are now planning a second offer in excess of £80m, but that is still firmly below Forest's asking price.

A strong World Cup showing for Anderson with England could even see them demand more.

He is expected to start alongside Declan Rice in midfield for the Three Lions' group-stage opener against Croatia. United star Kobbie Mainoo is likely the first back-up option to both while Marcus Rashford is in a battle with Anthony Gordon to start at left wing.

The former remains intent on joining Barcelona permanently which has seen him turn down potential moves to Arsenal, Newcastle United, Tottenham and most recently German champions Bayern Munich.

Though he has not played for United in 18 months, potential replacements in the squad for Rashford are being looked at.

Everton's Iliman Ndiaye has emerged as a target over the last few weeks while Yan Diomande was also of interest, though he appears set for a move to either Paris Saint-Germain or Liverpool if he leaves RB Leipzig.

Similarly to Anderson, Diomande impressing at the World Cup could impact his future with Ivory Coast to face Ecuador, Germany and Curacao.

United looked set to avoid such a delay with the signing of Ederson, but he has been chosen by Carlo Ancelotti as the replacement for the injured Wesley.