Manchester United has made up its mind to definitely sign Anderson, requiring £80 million this summer! Gomes has agreed to join in winter but faces obstacles.

Manchester United is set to bid for Nottingham Forest’s Elliott Anderson in 2026, as reported by "TEAMtalk." The club’s executives and head coach Ruben Amorim have agreed that signing the 23-year-old England international is a matter of "when," not "if."

Both Amorim and sporting director Jason Wilcox back the acquisition of Anderson to succeed Casemiro, who will be 34 next year. However, Anderson’s price may exceed Manchester United’s expectations, potentially costing between £80 million and £100 million.

In January, Manchester United might offer around £60 million as an attempt, but Nottingham Forest is sure to reject it. Anderson is now a key player for England, and considering his age, £60 million won’t suffice. Moreover, a mid-season transfer is difficult; Nottingham Forest will wait until after the World Cup to see if Anderson performs well, aiming to raise the price further.

Manchester United has done something similar before. During the peak of Kobe Meno, the club valued him at £100 million and later demanded £70 million when contract renewal stalled. But this 20-year-old youngster failed to meet expectations, and with his form declining, his value has likely dropped to £45 million.

At the pre-match press conference for the last Premier League round, Nottingham Forest’s manager Sean Dyche was asked about the possibility of Anderson transferring in January. He replied that such decisions are made by owner Evangelos Marinakis and the club’s senior management. Dyche said, "This is not my concern; it’s a matter for the management who must consider the club’s finances. I believe if necessary, they will seek my opinion, not only about Anderson but all players here."

Anderson’s own stance is clear; sources reveal he is eager to join Manchester United and prove himself at the traditional giant. However, he will not push for a winter move because switching clubs mid-season inevitably affects performance.

TEAMtalk reports that if Manchester United wants to bring in a Premier League defensive midfielder in January, Wolverhampton Wanderers’ João Gomes is a more likely candidate. The 24-year-old Brazilian defensive midfielder has reportedly agreed to join in the winter window, but the transfer is not solely his decision.

It is said Manchester United believes they have a realistic chance to sign Gomes in the winter transfer window. Wolves do not want to sell; they are at the bottom of the Premier League and have promised new coach Rob Edwards not to sell key players prematurely. Manchester United made their interest clear early to let Gomes know about the club’s intentions and encourage the transfer.

Another purpose for Manchester United is to test this player’s professionalism and focus. Carlos Baleba from Brighton failed this test; after a failed summer transfer, his form plummeted, performing poorly for both club and Cameroon national team. Manchester United no longer values him at £100 million. To succeed at Manchester United, one must have mental strength impervious to outside distractions.

This season, Wolves are likely to be relegated to the Championship. Gomes has been attracted by Manchester United and knows his best chance to join the Red Devils is in January, not next summer. He is eager for a new challenge and to reunite with his friend Cunha at Old Trafford.

Gomes has openly admitted that he supported Manchester United’s rivals Liverpool as a child, but this is not an issue for a professional player. Former Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson also had a "Red Devils dream" since childhood.

It is believed that signing Gomes will cost between £40 million and £50 million, and the price will naturally drop once Wolves are relegated.