How Pep Guardiola leaving Man City could impact Elliot Anderson transfer race with Man Utd

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Manchester City remain confident any deal for Elliot Anderson won't be impacted by Pep Guardiola's exit with the midfielder remaining a long-term target.

The England star has continued to excel ever since swapping Newcastle for Nottingham Forest . He's been a shining light at the City Ground and any talk of a move comes with a £100million price tag, with the midfielder potentially seeing his stock rise further this summer at the World Cup.

City are admirers and will see Bernardo Silva leave this summer . Anderson has been earmarked as a replacement and dialogue has been had about a switch to the Etihad.

The iPaper reports that a deal for Anderson is well advanced and Guardiola’s potential departure, which is widely reported but not confirmed, will not disrupt the transfer. Manchester United intend to make a serious effort to land the midfielder, but he may be beyond them.

Both because City have put themselves in pole position but equally because the price being quoted is more than the Red Devils would like to pay for one player - given they hope to land two new midfielders.

Despite the riches on offer from any potential sale, Forest boss Vitor Pereira insists they want to retain their star man. “I don’t have the answers,” he said. “The market is the market and everything can happen. What I can say to you is that the club wants to keep him playing for us, for sure.”

He continued: “The club wants to keep almost all the players because this is a very good group with quality and character and we have a very good base for next season.”

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Those on the blue side of Manchester have impressively transitioned their squad, owing to 18 months of shrewd recruitment. Their sights have now been set on a right-back. They have an interest in Brentford’s Michael Kayode, who was nominated for the Premier League's Young Player of the year award earlier this month.

Looking long-term it is understood they have earmarked Bournemouth ’s Junior Eli Kroupi, who is not for sale until 2027, as a future target. They recently raided the Cherries to sign Antoine Semenyo, who has been crucial in them securing the domestic cup double.

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