Manchester United have suffered a blow in their Elliot Anderson pursuit(Image: Michael Regan - The FA, The FA via Getty Images)

Manchester City believe they have secured victory in the battle to sign Elliot Anderson, beating Manchester United to the England midfielder's signature.

City hierarchy made the England and Nottingham Forest midfielder one of their primary summer objectives. And Etihad officials are optimistic about completing Anderson's arrival in a £65m transaction.

Anderson is being pursued by numerous clubs, including United, Chelsea and Tottenham. But it's understood City are leading the chase to secure his signature.

Elliot Anderson is set to leave Nottingham Forest this summer(Image: Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

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Anderson has made it clear that the Etihad represents his favoured destination. And the 23-year-old is expected to depart Forest, regardless of whether the club manages to avoid relegation or not.

City are eager to finalise the transfer at the beginning of the summer, before Anderson departs for the World Cup North America with England. This...