Manchester United are ready to step up their efforts to sign Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson this January, as first reported here for the Daily Briefing.

Sources have told me that Man Utd are really keen on Anderson, though they would face paying as much as £70m for the England international.

It is also anticipated that they will face particularly strong competition from Manchester City, while Chelsea and Newcastle United will also be names to watch in the race for his signature.

Anderson has shone for Forest and is also increasingly impressing as a regular in the England national team, so it seems inevitable that he’ll get himself a big move at some point.

Where next for Elliot Anderson?

Elliot Anderson of Nottingham Forest (Photo by Eddie Keogh/Getty Images)

Anderson is viewed as ideal for United, with key figures at the club all agreeing that he could be a fine addition to their squad.

The Red Devils have obvious issues in midfield, with the 22-year-old looking ideal to come in as a long-term replacement for the ageing Casemiro and an upgrade on the unconvincing Manuel Ugarte.

As one source told me: “United see Anderson as a perfect option and a long-term investment, though they could also accelerate...