Man Utd told Man City star could be key to £100m Elliot Anderson transfer battle

Former Manchester City midfielder Gareth Barry believes Rodri could be key as his old side fight Manchester United for Elliot Anderson’s signature. A battle between City and United is expected to break out during the summer for the £100million-rated Nottingham Forest star. Since joining Forest from Newcastle United in the summer of 2024, the England international has established himself as one of the best young midfielders in the Premier League . Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur are also believed to be keen on signing Anderson this summer. However, it is Pep Guardiola's side who appear to be right at the front of the queue to sign Anderson, who is expected to leave the City Ground this summer, regardless of whether Forest avoid relegation. But former City Premier League title winner Barry believes Rodri's future could determine whether the 23-year-old moves to the Etihad Stadium or not. “I think he needs to look at his game time,” Barry, speaking via BetMGM , said. “If it were me personally and I were Elliott Anderson, then I would be looking at my game time. “If Rodri stays at Manchester City , then he probably has less chance of playing as many games, although he would still get game time. JOIN US ON FACEBOOK! Latest news, analysis and much more on Mirror Football's Facebook page “But I would be looking at stuff like that, as he is still a young player, and he will want to be playing games. I’m an ex-Man City player, so I am not going to push any player to go to Man United, but I would be looking at who is going to be around and who I am going to be competing against. “But even more, where is Pep going to be? Who is the Man United manager going to be? A lot of these things will be going through Elliott Anderson’s head at the minute if he is to leave Nottingham Forest.” Rodri, whose contract expires at the end of next season, threw his City future into doubt last month when he said “you can’t turn down the best clubs in the world ” after being asked about the prospect of joining Real Madrid . But since then, Guardiola has claimed that the Spain international will sign a new deal with City, though he also wouldn't stand in the midfielder’s way if the La Liga giants came calling. “I know what the club wants,” the Catalan said. “They informed me what they want from Rodri – it is to stay. Always my wish is that Rodri could stay as long as possible in this club. He’s an incredible player.” He added: “There is no player that will turn down the chance to play for Madrid, I understand completely. He was born in Spain. If one player is not happy, they have to leave. “I think he is happy, but if he is not happy, just knock on the door of the sporting director, accept an offer according to his incredible quality and after that, he belongs only to himself." Madrid are indeed admirers but it remains to be seen whether the Spanish side would pursue a move this summer. However, they are likely to be in the market for a new midfielder with Eduardo Camavinga and Aurelien Tchouameni expected to be moved on. Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.