Newcastle United could still have hope in their pursuit of Elliot Anderson.
Geordie Boot Boys have been told that Newcastle United would love to re-sign Anderson, who left the club for Nottingham Forest in 2024.
Still, such has been the level of his impact for both Forest and England, both Newcastle and Manchester United are interested in Anderson.
The idea of fighting the Red Devils for another player will be worrisome for Toon supporters. Benjamin Sesko, of course, chose Old Trafford over St James’ Park back in August.
Presumably, Anderson could earn a lot more money if he were to move to Manchester next summer rather than come back to Newcastle.
However, that may not be the only thing in play here.
- READ MORE: Newcastle United’s Elliot Anderson PSR dilemma revealed as ‘bizarre’ £22m-a-year deal mooted
Elliot Anderson’s emotional connection could help Newcastle United sign him
Speaking on The United Stand podcast, noted transfer journalist Ben Jacobs said fans should not be discounting Newcastle in the race for Anderson.
Though Man United are very interested in Anderson, the fact he is a boyhood supporter of Newcastle could play a factor in his decision-making next summer.
Were he to leave Forest at the end of the season, there’s no guarantee he’ll be heading to Old Trafford.
“Don’t discount Newcastle in the conversation for Elliot Anderson,” said Jacobs.
“What people don’t understand about the Anderson deal, [is] this is a kid who was Newcastle through and through. He didn’t want to leave Newcastle United. He was forced out due to PSR.
“What happened was that Liverpool agreed a deal for Anthony Gordon, and Jarell Quansah was going to go the other way.
“Then at the last minute, Yankuba Minteh went to Brighton and Forest came in for Elliot Anderson, and the incomings allowed Newcastle to pull the plug on the Gordon deal.
“Anderson’s love for Newcastle hasn’t gone away. There is that pre-existing connection to Newcastle.
Newcastle United’s spending power ahead of the January transfer window. Do you expect PIF to actually make a signing?
“Now you have Ross Wilson, who is the sporting director at Newcastle, who did the deal to bring him to Nottingham Forest.
“From the Newcastle point of view if Elliot Anderson was available at value, they would still be open to re-signing him despite the fact they have Joelinton, Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali.”
Signing Elliot Anderson would be the only way for Newcastle United to replace Sandro Tonali
In an ideal world, Anderson would return to Newcastle and play alongside Sandro Tonali again.
Still, Tonali’s long-term future at Newcastle is unclear. While it’s not absolutely certain that the Italian will leave the club, he has admitted things can change despite his current happiness.
Which position should Newcastle United look to strengthen in January?
If Newcastle were to sell Tonali, signing Anderson as his replacement would be perhaps the one way to appease supporters.
It’s hard to imagine a scenario in which Newcastle break their transfer record to re-sign Anderson unless Tonali were to leave.
They may be open to the idea of them playing together but the financial reality could be very different.
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