Fresh reports outline Manchester United’s plans to make the central midfielder a priority signing during the upcoming transfer window.
It is true they have a genuine interest in the £100million-rated Nottingham Forest star.
However, sources indicate that it is the blue side of Manchester that has already made progress towards a deal.
City sources believe they are in the driving seat to win the race for Anderson and that they are indeed his first-choice destination.
The situation could mirror that of Antoine Semenyo, who attracted interest from Old Trafford but ultimately decided that a move to the Etihad Stadium would fulfil his ambitions more fully and reliably.
United are targeting two central midfielders this summer and ideally want a high-profile name from within the Premier League in an effort to ease the settling-in process.
It is a pathway they have also followed in signing the likes of Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo.
Man Utd want new midfielders
They have other players lined up for different positions in a similar manner, too - as outlined earlier this week, they also admire Everton’s Iliman Ndiaye.
United still have Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton and Brighton’s Carlos Baleba on their midfield shortlist.
Manchester City, however, have their own plans for midfield and believe they need a proven player to fit into their latest rebuild.
It is understood that City have already been working on how to ensure Anderson could fit within their wage structure in a summer that will likely see players including Bernardo Silva, John Stones and Jack Grealish make permanent moves away from the club.
