Rio Ferdinand has urged Manchester United to sign Elliot Anderson ahead Newcastle United duo Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali this summer.
United are available in the market 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 have claimed that the club have already made an approach to sign Newcastle United captain Bruno Guimaraes.
But 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 just a little bit form smart,’ Ferdinand said.
‘Elliot Anderson, he seems to have jumped to the front of the queue. I believe he’s an exquisite player.
‘I believe Elliot Anderson is the suitable type not only of player but character, I thin he’d be a very good 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 form of midfielder United need is any person who is a little more all-action, who can cover ground, who’s dynamic, who is powerful, strong, who can drive a team.
‘Straight away Anderson appears to be ticking those boxes. But I believe there are a number of 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 within the season, Newcastle manager Eddie Howe branded Guimaraes’ links with a move to United as ‘nonsense’ and ‘disrespectful’.
‘I don’t even know the way to 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 try this in. For me it’s a nonsense story.
‘For me, it just isn’t the time to give it some thought. In the summertime, you’ll be able to understand those stories just a little 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.’
For more stories like this, check our sport page.
Follow Metro Sport for the newest news on
Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
MORE: Petr Cech says £25m Chelsea star has ‘huge, huge potential’
MORE: Gary Neville names ‘horrible’ game that would cost Arsenal the Premier League title
MORE: Jamie Carragher names two favourites to win Premier League next season after Man Utd beat Liverpool