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Manchester City confident they will beat Manchester United in £65 million Elliot Anderson transfer race - Paper Round
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Updated 08/04/2026 at 08:40 GMT+1
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Manchester City believe they will win the race to sign Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest, while they may sell James Trafford to Tottenham Hotspur in the summer transfer window. Elsewhere, Manchester United are hoping to move Andre Onana on once again, and they are aiming to give Kobbie Mainoo a new contract after giving Harry Maguire a fresh deal.
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City lead Anderson race
Manchester City are tipped to sign Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest this summer, according to the Daily Star.
The Forest midfielder is planning to leave in the next transfer window, with Manchester United, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur interested as well.
The paper writes: ”Manchester City believe they have secured victory in the battle to sign Elliot Anderson, beating Manchester United to the England midfielder's signature.
”City hierarchy made the England and Nottingham Forest midfielder one of their primary summer objectives. And Etihad officials are optimistic about completing Anderson's arrival in a £65 million transaction.
”Anderson is being pursued by numerous clubs, including United, Chelsea and Tottenham. But it's understood City are leading the chase to secure his signature.
”City are eager to finalise the transfer at the beginning of the summer, before Anderson departs for the World Cup in North America with England. This would eliminate the possibility of Anderson's price tag rising, should he enjoy a standout tournament.”
Spurs keen on Trafford
Spurs are keen on Manchester City goalkeeper James Trafford as they prepare for Guglielmo Vicario’s departure.
Newcastle United almost signed him last summer, and are believed to still retain an interest in the player.
The Sun explains: ”Tottenham are monitoring James Trafford’s situation at Manchester City as they explore replacements for Guglielmo Vicario.
”Regular No. 1 Vicario is expected to leave this summer and has been the subject of strong interest from Serie A giants Inter Milan.
”Should the 29-year-old depart, it will prompt the relegation-threatened North Londoners to sign a new stopper regardless of whether they have beaten the drop or not.
”Though sources suggest Newcastle are in the driving seat for the England stopper should he become available.”
United keen to sell Onana
Manchester United still hope to send Andre Onana out of the club once more, regardless of his desire to stay at the club.
He will return this summer from Trabzonspor after a loan spell, but United are keen to move him on either on a permanent deal or on loan.
The Mirror states: ”Manchester United remain determined to move Andre Onana on despite the goalkeeper’s wish to revive his Old Trafford career. The Cameroonian stopper joined Turkish side Trabzonspor on a season-long loan deal last summer following a difficult couple of seasons.
”Once that agreement expires, Onana will be left with two years remaining on his United contract and has already expressed a desire to return and compete with current stopper Senne Lammens for the No. 1 shirt.
”But it appears that club chiefs have a different view of the former Inter Milan goalkeeper’s future.
”Onana’s representatives will hold talks with the club in the imminent future but it is thought another exit - whether that be permanently or another loan - is the most likely route. United remain keen to recoup the majority of the £47.2m they paid for his signature back in 2023.”
Mainoo poised for United deal
Kobbie Mainoo is set to extend his Manchester United contract after talks progressed with the midfielder.
He will follow Harry Maguire, who has signed a one-year deal with another year’s possible extension.
The Evening Standard reports: ”Harry Maguire has signed a contract extension at Manchester United, with Kobbie Mainoo expected to follow suit soon.
”Maguire’s future at Old Trafford beyond the end of the season had appeared uncertain, with his previous deal due to expire this summer.
”Maguire’s contract extension with United is widely expected to be followed by that of England team-mate Mainoo, who has regained a regular first-team role under interim head coach Michael Carrick over recent months having been largely overlooked by predecessor Ruben Amorim, leading to speculation over an exit.
”Mainoo’s current deal - which has a one-year club option - expires in the summer of 2027 but he is reported to have been offered a new and improved five-year contract lasting until 2031.”
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