Forget Anderson: Man United could save themselves millions by signing ex-Chelsea outcast instead
Man United have been heavily linked to signing Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest in January.
Man United are heading into the January transfer window with one major transfer priority. All the talk around the Red Devils is that they want to sign a holding midfielder, who can help be the long-term replacement for Casemiro, whose contract expires at the end of the season.
Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson has been heavily linked with a move, after he has really broken out over the last year, both impressing for Forest and becoming a regular starter in Thomas Tuchel’s England side.
However, reports have said that Forest are expected to demand over £100m for Anderson as they don’t want to sell him. In fact, the cheapest that any reports have indicated for the England international is around £70m. So, United may need to look to a different target to fill the need in midfield instead.
Man United should sign ex-Chelsea star instead
Seeing as Anderson is expected to command a very hefty fee, United may not be able to afford him in January, especially seeing as they spent well over £170m in the summer transfer window. Unless they make some major sales, Man United could consider an alternative instead.
According to Caught Offside, Man United are in talks with Conor Gallagher’s agent, and the former Chelsea player is keen on a move to Old Trafford. The Red Devils were keen to sign Gallagher from Atletico Madrid in the summer, but they wanted him on loan, and Madrid wanted a permanent sale.
The report says that Man United are potentially going to test if Atletico Madrid are softer on a potential loan move for the midfielder, likely with an option to buy. Gallagher already has proven Premier League experience and would be a reliable and shrewd signing for United to make.
Whilst playing in the Premier League for Crystal Palace and later Chelsea, Gallagher made 136 league appearances, scoring 18 goals, and providing 13 assists. The 25-year-old is estimated to be worth around £35m, and so he could end up being a much cheaper option rather than someone like Anderson.
Could Casemiro sign a contract extension?
With Casemiro’s contract currently due to expire in June, the Brazilian midfielder will be considering his future amid talk in the summer of a potential move for him to go to the Saudi Pro League.
However, he has been impressive at Old Trafford this season, and it is understood that Man United would like to keep hold of Casemiro. The reports have said they’ll only extend his contract at the club if he takes a pay cut, though, as the 33-year-old currently earns approximately £350,000 per week.
It is not clear what Casemiro’s stance is yet on whether he wants to stay at Old Trafford or not, but he has certainly become a more nailed-on member of Ruben Amorim’s squad. This season, he’s made 10 Premier League appearances for United, scoring three goals, and providing one assist.