Manchester United and Manchester City are both eager to secure Elliot Anderson’s signature this summer, setting the stage for a fiercely contested battle between the two Premier League giants. Reports emerged this week suggesting that City are confident they have sealed the deal. United, however, remain resolute in their chase of a player who has established himself as one of the division’s most impressive midfielders.
Anderson, 23, is said to have decided that he favours a switch to the Etihad over Old Trafford, yet the deal remains incomplete until he has put pen to paper. Another player who impressed at the weekend is former City midfielder Shea Charles, who struck the winning goal for Southampton as they dumped Arsenal out of the FA Cup.
Charles has thrived since leaving City in 2023 for an initial £10.5million, having made just one senior appearance for Pep Guardiola‘s side. There is also an additional £4.5m that could be triggered through performance-related clauses.
Charles has cemented his place at St Mary’s this season after spending the previous campaign on loan at Sheffield Wednesday. While the Saints may not secure a return to the top flight themselves, the player could engineer a swift comeback of his own.
It’s been reported that United are one of several Premier League clubs eager to sign Charles in the summer. More than one midfielder is wanted this summer at Old Trafford, and their director of football Jason Wilcox was at Southampton when they recruited Charles and a number of City academy graduates.
Should United or any other club pursue Charles this summer, they will be indirectly funnelling millions to City.
On top of the transfer fee they received for the Northern Ireland international, they included a sell-on clause that will deliver 25 per cent of any profit Southampton generate on Charles.
The most fiercely contested transfer battle in the summer window will be over Anderson as both clubs look to land a headline signing.
But whatever transpires there, United could find themselves bolstering City’s coffers if they press ahead with their interest in Charles.
Southampton overcame fellow promotion contenders Wrexham on Tuesday to strengthen their chances of a top-flight return and are rounding off the season as one of the standout sides heading into the play-offs.
Promotion could improve Southampton’s prospects of holding on to Charles, though it would equally drive up his valuation for any potential suitors.