Man Utd want two Nottingham Forest stars but both moves face same problem | Football

Manchester United have two Nottingham Forest stars on their radar, but face serious challenges to get either deal done.

It is set to be a big summer at Old Trafford, with a huge decision to be made on their next permanent manager.

Michael Carrick is in interim charge and has been impressive, but will the former Red Devils midfielder be handed the chance to extend his stay, or will the club appoint a more experienced boss?

Either way, Manchester United will be active in the transfer market, specifically bringing in a new midfielder.

The club wanted to boost their options in that position last summer and their need will be even more pressing this year as Casemiro is leaving at the end of the season.

A number of players have been linked with a big move to Old Trafford, including the likes of Brighton’s Carlos Baleba and Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton.

Nottingham Forest and England star Elliot Anderson has also been touted as a possible Manchester United signing, while his teammate for club and country is also on their radar.

The Daily Mail reports that Morgan Gibbs-White has admirers at Old Trafford, in fact there is a ‘strong interest’ in the 26-year-old.

The six-cap England international has been integral for Nottingham Forest since joining from Wolves in 2022, making 154 appearances in all competitions and scoring 26 goals.

Tottenham made a move for him last summer, making a £60m bid, but Forest convinced the midfielder to sign a new deal at the City Ground, worth around £150,000-a-week.

Here lies the problem for Manchester United in possible moves for Gibbs-White and Anderson, as the hierarchy are keen not to hand out wages much above that level.

The likes of Matheus Cunha, Benjamin Sesko and Bryan Mbeumo all arrived last summer and are on similar wages, with the club shipping out numerous players who are paid more than that.

Casemiro is departing, as will Jadon Sancho on a free transfer, while Marcus Rashford is expected to be sold to Barcelona.

Another high earner, Bruno Fernandes, remains a vital player for the Red Devils, but his future is uncertain, with the possibility that the club would want to cash in if a big offer arrives, likely from Saudi Arabia.

Gibbs-White would be seen as a possible replacement for the captain, but they would be huge boots to fill given Fernandes has been the talisman throughout his time with Manchester United.

The issue with the new wage structure is that rivals are not so strict and Manchester City are reportedly also interested in both Anderson and Gibbs-White.

If it comes to a battle between the Manchester clubs for the Forest stars, City will likely be able to offer them better financial packages.

MORE: ‘Doesn’t suit him’ – Chelsea told to sell Enzo Maresca’s £30m signing

MORE: Jamie Carragher praises Ruben Amorim’s ‘absolutely fantastic’ Manchester United signing

MORE: Marcus Rashford makes Barcelona demand after talks over permanent Man Utd transfer