Manchester United target £172m double deal for Nottingham Forest duo
Manchester United are exploring a £172m double swoop for Nottingham Forest midfielders Elliot Anderson and Morgan Gibbs-White as they prepare for a major summer rebuild.
The Old Trafford hierarchy have identified Anderson as their primary target ahead of the upcoming transfer window.
Securing the talented 25-year-old will not be a straightforward task for the Premier League giants.
Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis is reportedly demanding a staggering £125m fee for his prized asset.
Fierce competition from rivals
United face significant pressure from across the city in their pursuit of the dynamic midfielder.
Manchester City are heavily interested and Pep Guardiola’s side remain quietly confident of hijacking the transfer.
Despite this fierce rivalry, the Red Devils are also preparing an audacious move for Anderson’s highly-rated team-mate.
Gibbs-White in devastating form
Reports in Italy suggest United are hoping to complete a lucrative combined deal by bringing Gibbs-White to Manchester.
Former Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo recently described the attacking midfielder as a special talent.
The England international has been exceptional, contributing 11 goals and two assists in his last 15 appearances.
His late-season performances have been instrumental in pulling the East Midlands club away from the relegation zone.
Tottenham Hotspur previously attempted to trigger his release clause before Forest threatened legal action and secured him on a new contract.
Old Trafford midfield overhaul
A successful raid on the City Ground would directly address an impending midfield shortage in Manchester.
Veteran anchor Casemiro is set to depart when his current contract expires at the end of the campaign.
The club are also open to sanctioning the sale of Manuel Ugarte if an appropriate valuation is met.
However, Forest’s remarkable European run could yet scupper any ambitious transfer plans.
They currently hold a slender 1-0 advantage over Aston Villa in their Europa League semi-final tie.
Securing qualification for next season’s Champions League might ultimately convince both stars to remain at the City Ground.