Liverpool are ready to hijack Manchester United’s move for Elliot Anderson and convince the Nottingham Forest superstar to choose Anfield over Old Trafford in what would be one of the most audacious transfers of 2026.
According to multiple sources, the 23-year-old England international is Manchester United’s absolute priority midfield target for next summer, with Ruben Amorim personally pushing for the deal and the player himself described as “very keen” on joining the Red Devils to “compete at the highest level and immerse himself in the prestige of a big six club”.
Yet The Times now reports that Liverpool have entered the race and are seriously considering a move for the player Thomas Tuchel this month called “a very complete and mobile midfielder” on BBC Sport.
Forest are holding out for a mammoth £120million for their prized asset, but sources close to Manchester United believe they can land him for half that figure – around £60m. Liverpool, however, are prepared to go big again after already splashing out heavily on midfield reinforcements this summer. Fenway Sports Group have apparently given the green light to pursue Anderson even if it means paying closer to Forest’s asking price.
The timing could not be more perfect for Liverpool. Anderson lines up against Arne Slot’s side at Anfield this Saturday in what is being billed inside the club as the ultimate audition. A commanding performance in the heart of midfield against Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai would only strengthen Liverpool’s determination to beat United to his signature.
Sources indicate that while Anderson is currently leaning towards Old Trafford, the chance to work under Slot, play in a team that is genuine title contenders, and potentially replace Mac Allister – who continues to be strongly linked with Real Madrid – could be enough to make him perform a dramatic U-turn.
Liverpool’s interest is not a bluff. The club have been tracking Anderson since his Newcastle days and rate him as highly as Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton, another English midfielder on their shortlist (and also wanted by United). Internally, some at Anfield already consider Anderson the most “Premier League-ready” young midfielder in the country outside of their own squad.
Since moving to the City Ground in the summer of 2024, Anderson has elevated his game to a new level. Three goals and seven assists in 56 appearances do not even begin to tell the full story; his pressing, ball-carrying, duel-winning and ability to break lines have made him the heartbeat of Nuno Espírito Santo’s surprise top-six challengers. England caps have followed, and a place in Tuchel’s 2026 World Cup squad looks almost certain.
For Liverpool to steal him from under United’s noses – especially when the player and Amorim are already aligned – would represent a monumental statement of intent. It would not only weaken a direct rival but also send a message to the rest of the Premier League that Anfield remains the most attractive destination for the top English talents.
Elliot Anderson heads to Merseyside this weekend knowing that every touch, every tackle, every forward surge will be scrutinised by the Liverpool hierarchy sitting in the directors’ box.
If he shines, expect the Reds to move decisively in 2026 and pull off what would instantly become one of the signature transfers of the Slot era.
Manchester United believe they have their man. Liverpool are ready to prove them wrong. The battle for Elliot Anderson is officially on – and Anfield is determined to win it.