Elliot Anderson to Newcastle buy-back clause truth as Man Utd 'consider transfer'

Former Newcastle midfielder Elliot Anderson is reportedly on Manchester United's radar, according to former Old Trafford scout Mick Brown. Anderson, who made 55 first-team appearances for the Magpies after rising through their youth system, moved to Nottingham Forest in a £35million deal in July 2024.

The decision to sell the then-22-year-old was met with criticism, but Eddie Howe's side had to comply with Profit and Sustainability (PSR) rules. Around the same time, reserve goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos was sold to Newcastle for £20m. There were concerns that Newcastle might regret letting go of Anderson, given his potential to become a top-tier Premier League player. It seems he is now living up to that potential.

Last season, Anderson was instrumental in helping Forest secure a seventh-place finish and a spot in this season's Europa League. His impressive form has continued into this campaign, earning him an England senior debut against Andorra earlier this month under Thomas Tuchel.

After a standout performance and winning the Player of the Match award, Anderson earned his second cap for England's match against Serbia, where he once again shone.

With his performances for both Forest and England turning heads, speculation about his future is mounting. According to ex-United chief Brown, the Reds are contemplating making a move.

"Man United have been looking at Anderson," Brown told Football Insider. "He's done a tremendous job at Nottingham Forest and then he's come into the England side and turned in a man-of-the-match performance. United see him as exactly the type of midfielder they would like to bring in.

"He gets up and down the park, he's confident and secure in possession of the ball, and he's not afraid to put in a tackle which is something they need.

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"Anderson would solve, or certainly help with, a lot of the issues they've had under Amorim. Everybody knows they wanted a midfielder in the summer but they couldn't find the right one who was available at the price they wanted.

"I don't know what Anderson would cost, but he is somebody who's been on their radar. He would be the ideal player to fill the gaps they've had in the squad."

Sources suggest Forest rate Anderson at a minimum of £70m - twice what the Reds paid for him just over 12 months ago.

At present, it's believed the midfielder has no intention of departing The City Ground.

However, should he make the switch to Manchester, would Newcastle be entitled to compensation through a potential sell-on agreement?

Chronicle Live believes the Magpies do not have a buy-back clause, despite suggestions the club can trigger specific clauses in his deal with Forest.

Should Newcastle want Anderson to return, they would need to meet the full market price for the midfielder, whose value continues to rise with every display. Newcastle may not have a sell-on clause in Anderson's contract either, which could be a significant setback if he is sold for a substantial sum.

Anderson wasn't the only player Newcastle offloaded to comply with PSR rules last season. The Magpies also transferred Yankuba Minteh to Brighton in a deal worth approximately £30m.

However, the decision to let Anderson go was always one that could potentially backfire - and it appears it has.