What Thomas Tuchel has called Man United's very expensive top target in private - Manchester Evening News

Manchester United have been heavily linked with a move for Nottingham Forest star Elliot Anderson

England manager Thomas Tuchel has already given a clear verdict on reported Manchester United transfer target Elliot Anderson. The Nottingham Forest midfielder has been linked with a move to Old Trafford ever since last summer, with the rumours once again resurfacing during the January transfer window.

United have been linked with signing a midfielder for some time, with Anderson one of several names mentioned on the rumour mill.

Carlos Baleba of Brighton, Joao Gomes of Wolves and Adam Wharton of Crystal Palace have all been linked with moves to United over the last few months, as has also been the case for Anderson.

United made four signings during the summer window, but none of them saw the club strengthen their midfield. Various reports have now claimed that United will look to go into the market for midfield reinforcements either before the February 2 deadline or in the summer.

Whether that would involve a pursuit of Anderson’s signature remains to be seen, with some suggestions that the 23-year-old could be valued by Forest at around £100million.

A report in the Daily Mail has provided more insight into Anderson’s future, which includes a verdict from Tuchel, who will be expected to manage the Forest midfielder for England during this summer’s World Cup.

It has been reported that Tuchel has privately described Anderson as a “gift”, which is a welcome boost for United if they still have a genuine interest in bringing the England international to Old Trafford.

Anderson starred for England’s Under-21s last summer in Slovakia, with the Young Lions beating Germany in the final. The Forest star played a key role in that final victory, and it’s that match that saw Anderson promoted to Tuchel’s first team.

“That was the lightbulb moment,” the Daily Mail quote a source close to Tuchel saying. “We suddenly realised he was the answer to our problem.”

United may get a chance to go up against Anderson themselves before the end of the season, with the Reds scheduled to face Forest in their penultimate fixture of the Premier League campaign in May.

When it comes to Tuchel, the England boss has also been mentioned as a potential candidate to manage United from next season.

Michael Carrick has been appointed as interim head coach until the end of the season, and several names have already been mentioned as potential long-term candidates for the job, which reportedly includes Tuchel.

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