Rio Ferdinand has urged Manchester United to sign Elliot Anderson ahead Newcastle United duo Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali this summer.
United are out there for a brand new central midfielder and Anderson, who’s valued by Nottingham Forest at £80 million, is one among the highest names on their shortlist.
Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba had also attracted interest from United last summer, while reports this week have claimed that the club have already made an approach to sign Newcastle United captain Bruno Guimaraes.
But speaking after United’s 2-2 draw against Bournemouth on Friday night, Ferdinand believes his former club should prioritise a move for Anderson, who can also be wanted by Manchester City.
‘Starting of the season everyone was talking about [Carlos] Baleba, he seems to have gone off the boil somewhat bit form sensible,’ Ferdinand said.
‘Elliot Anderson, he seems to have jumped to the front of the queue. I feel he’s an exquisite player.
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‘I feel Elliot Anderson is the appropriate type not only of player but character, I thin he’d be an excellent addition to the squad.
‘Tonali is a giant talent that everyone seems to be talking about, Guimaraes is one other big talent that everyone seems to be talking about, but I just think the style of midfielder United need is anyone who is a little more all-action, who can cover ground, who’s dynamic, who is strong, strong, who can drive a team.
‘Without delay Anderson appears to be ticking those boxes. But I feel there are just a few other young guns on the market who I won’t mention their names yet because I don’t want anyone else to get on that scent.’
Speaking earlier on Friday, Newcastle manager Eddie Howe branded Guimaraes’ links with a move to United as ‘nonsense’ and ‘disrespectful’.
‘I don’t even know reply to that. I don’t even think I should since it’s a waste of my energy,’ Howe said.
‘I’m not going to be impolite because I don’t think it’s the forum to do this in. For me it’s a nonsense story.
‘Bruno’s our captain, he’s fully committed. He’s injured in the mean time, his only focus is coming back to fitness.
‘For me, it will not be the time to give it some thought. In the summertime, you may understand those stories somewhat bit more since the transfer window is open.
‘To say our captain is in discussions with one other club is completely disrespectful to Bruno greater than the rest. He is completely committed here.’
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