Manchester United are ready to firm up their interest in Nottingham Forest star Elliot Anderson, reports TEAMtalk.

Anderson has enjoyed a whirlwind 18 months for Forest following his arrival from Newcastle, becoming one of their key men and establishing himself as an England international in the process.

The performances for both club and country haven’t gone unnoticed either as a number of Premier League sides seek to land the 22-year-old.

Manchester City and Chelsea have been credited with an interest in Anderson in recent weeks, but it’s United who are looking to steal a march on the duo.

United in the market for a midfielder

United are aiming to bolster in the middle of the park in January having failed to sign Carlos Baleba in the summer.

Baleba remains a target for United, as does Crystal Palace sensation Adam Wharton, but Anderson is believed to now be the priority.

United are keen to strengthen in a key area in the New Year having bolstered in attack and between the sticks over the summer.

Ruben Amorim’s side splashed the cash for Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, Benjamin Sesko and Senne Lammens.

Amorim had pushed to land a central midfielder and a failure to address a problem area has seen United struggle.

Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro are the first-choice pairing for Amorim, while Manuel Ugarte has struggled for minutes under the former Sporting boss.

Kobbie Mainoo is also expected to leave the club in January, and his departure would leave United short of midfield options.

United learn price for in-demand Anderson

Forest would be reluctant to lose Anderson in the winter months and the Midlands side have reportedly set an asking price of £80m.

Even so, United are willing to splash the cash for the youngster, who’d inject some much-needed energy into the midfield.

Indeed, Anderson ranks top for ball recoveries (85) of outfield players in the Premier League this season and his displays have caught Amorim’s eye.

Anderson is also reportedly keen on a move to Old Trafford, which boosts United’s chances of concluding a deal for the midfielder in January.

Forest looking for first league win under Dyche

Sean Dyche is yet to oversee a league victory in his first two games at the Forest helm having succeeded Ange Postecoglou at the City Ground last month.

Dyche saw his side claim a 2-0 win over Porto to kick off his reign, but followed that up with a 2-0 defeat to Bournemouth.

And Forest conceded a late Amad Diallo equaliser against United on Saturday as they were forced to share the spoils in a 2-2 draw.

Forest are back in Europa League action this week as they take on Sturm Graz in Austria before they welcome Leeds in the final round of league games before the international break.