After Anderson, Man City now leading race to sign 26yo Man Utd target for £35m

Manchester United are planning to bolster their midfield department this summer, but it appears Manchester City could hamper their prospects of signing a couple of targets.

Nottingham Forest star Elliot Anderson was previously earmarked as the prime option to replace Casemiro, who will depart when his United contract expires at the end of June.

However, the 23-year-old has decided to snub the Red Devils for Pep Guardiola’s side. The Cityzens are confident of landing the midfielder in a deal worth £65 million this summer.

A Bola now claim that Man City are also leading the race for Sporting CP midfielder Morten Hjulmand.

The Dane has a release clause worth £70 million in his contract, but could be permitted to leave the Portuguese champions for a package between £35m and £44m later this year.

The Cityzens have already held talks with the 26-year-old Man Utd target and have emerged as strong contenders to prise him away from Sporting CP in the next transfer window.

United must be proactive in midfielder pursuit

Anderson has established himself as one of the best holding midfielders in the Premier League. It appears the Cityzens have an upper hand in the race to land the former Newcastle United graduate.

We recently covered an opinion on Hjulmand, who was a target for the Red Devils last summer. The Dane is one of the best ball-playing midfielders around and could be signed on the cheap this year.

He probably has a gentleman’s agreement to leave Sporting CP after turning down Juventus in 2025. In our view, United must pursue his signing despite Man City holding ‘informal talks’ as per A Bola.

Hjulmand has a 93 per cent passing accuracy in the Champions League this campaign. The 26-year-old has also won six duels and two tackles per European game alongside two interceptions.

At £35m, he would be a bargain signing for his next club. United are obviously waiting to secure Champions League qualification before making an approach for a marquee midfielder.

However, they must be proactive like Man City to avoid missing out on quality acquisitions. We believe United should seek to prise Hjulmand away from Sporting ahead of the Cityzens.

Hjulmand may not be guaranteed playing time if Man City were to sign Anderson, given they already have Rodri in their ranks, who is an assured starter in the heart of the midfield when fit.

At United, Hjulmand would pretty much make the number six position his own. The Red Devils have an edge in terms of playing minutes and should make an offer for the ex-Lecce man.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com

Article written by Sri Aswin .