Fabrizio Romano says £75m midfielder is "really appreciated" by Man Utd, an ideal Casemiro replacement

Manchester United have identified Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson as a potential target to bolster the defensive midfield department this summer, as per Fabrizio Romano.

The Red Devils are expected to pursue midfield signings this summer. Casemiro is guaranteed to leave on a free transfer when his contract expires at the end of June.

Manuel Ugarte could likewise seek a new challenge, having played second fiddle to Casemiro this term. The club could cut their losses on the Uruguay international.

Amidst this, Romano has dropped an update on Anderson, who has been frequently linked with the Red Devils.

The reputed journalist said that the Englishman is ‘really appreciated’ by the Mancunian giants, but they have yet to decide on the priority target for the number six position.

He said on his YouTube channel: “He’s a player appreciated by Manchester United.

“But for Man United, there are even more things to clarify before they go in for the midfielder they want. First, who is going to be the manager, Champions League football or not and then the budget.

“For Manchester City, he’s a really important target, very high on the list, at Manchester United, he’s really appreciated, but United are yet to decide who is the midfielder, the 1 to 2 to 3 they want to sign, based on the factors I told you.”

Anderson would be an ideal successor to Casemiro

The 23-year-old has been one of the top-performing midfielders in the Premier League over the last two years. He has made immense progress since his move to Forest from Newcastle United in 2024.

Anderson has won a stunning 8.2 duels per league game this term. He has also made an impressive 8.4 recoveries and 2.9 tackles on average for the Tricky Trees, who are just above the drop zone.

Despite Forest’s woes, Anderson has been a stand-out player for them. He has chipped in with four goal contributions and recently scored a vital equaliser against Manchester City away from home.

Anderson has the credentials to become a world-class holding midfielder in the coming years. He would be a perfect replacement for Casemiro and would provide an upgrade in the centre of the park for United.

Casemiro has been efficient with his defensive involvements, but at 34, he is no longer the most mobile across the pitch and has been found wanting with his positioning on several occasions.

Ugarte was brought in from Paris Saint-Germain with the plan to succeed the Brazilian, but he has not lived up to expectations. Anderson should easily do so, having proved himself in the league.

The Mirror claim that he could be signed for around £75 million, but the price tag could increase closer to the £100m range, particularly if there is a bidding war and Forest avoid top-flight relegation.

United will face fierce competition from arch-rivals Manchester City in the player’s pursuit. Qualification for the Champions League could be critical to signing the Newcastle graduate this summer.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com

Article written by Sri Aswin .