Better Than Fernandes: Man Utd Dream of Signing Anderson After Ederson

James joined Football FanCast in 2016 following a three-year spell working for Shoot Magazine, working his way up from freelance writer to editor, before moving across to GMS in 2020.

James has created exclusive, opinion and news content on GIVEMESPORT, with a predominant focus on the Premier League.

He has also developed strong working relationships with top tier journalists such as Fabrizio Romano, Dharmesh Sheth and Ben Jacobs, regularly chatting to them as part of an exclusives initiative. Sign in to your GiveMeSport account Manchester United's huge summer midfield rebuild is well underway with one deal already done for Ederson, while they are preparing their first bid to sign West Ham United star Mateus Fernandes.

Man United have been determined to start their summer business early, with a full agreement reached for Ederson even though the transfer window doesn't officially open until Monday.

Reports on Sunday claim that the Brazilian is set to undergo a medical in New York on Sunday ahead of completing his switch to Old Trafford, having received a late call-up to Carlo Ancelotti's Brazil squad.

The 26-year-old will join in a deal worth less than £40m, when he returns from the 2026 World Cup.

The Red Devils aren't finished there though, as they ramp up their interest in bringing Fernandes to the 'Theatre of Dreams'. According to Romano, United are in 'official' talks with the Portuguese star's agent, Jorge Mendes, and the Irons over a transfer.

The 21-year-old is keen to join United with personal terms not expected to be an issue, but club chiefs will want to drive down West Ham's £85m valuation given they are now a second tier club.

According to Fabrizio Romano, speaking in recent days, the Red Devils still dream of signing Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson this summer.

The England international was quickly identified as the club's number one midfield target ahead of the summer, but it has become increasingly difficult for United to try and agree a deal for the 23-year-old.

Firstly, Anderson prefers to join United's arch-rivals Manchester City instead, and secondly, his price tag is a major stumbling block to any potential transfer happening.

This week, City had a verbal offer worth £106m, plus £14m in add-ons, rejected by Forest, who are holding out for a British transfer record fee that surpasses the deal that saw Alexander Isak join Liverpool last summer.

While Mateus Fernandes is a 21-year-old with a big future ahead of him after two impressive seasons with West Ham and Southampton in the Premier League, Anderson is currently a different level.

Fernandes has one cap for his country and was left out of Portugal's squad for the 2026 World Cup in North America, while Anderson is set to be a starter for England under Thomas Tuchel.

Forest are demanding £100m+ for Anderson for a reason, and it is because he has established himself as one of the best central midfielders in the Premier League.

Fernandes has shown his versatility by playing in a variety of midfield roles during his spell in England, including as a six, eight and a 10, but Anderson also offers all-round midfield ability.

His biggest strength is his elite and his all-around versatility, which is highlighted by his exceptional ball-carrying and dribbling under high pressure.

Anderson is positive on the ball too, with his passing ability another one of his key strengths that has seen him become one of the most sought-after players in England.

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