Man Utd backing away from Anderson chase

[Getty Images] Manchester United are backing away from their pursuit of Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson. The England international had been United's prime target as they look to address their issues in the centre of the pitch. However, they also went into the summer determined not to overpay for any player and equally keen to avoid being dragged into a bidding war. They also wanted to be sure any player they did go for was keen to play for the club. On all three counts, United currently feel continuing to push for Anderson would be a mistake. The Manchester club have already agreed a deal to sign Ederson from Atalanta, although his arrival will be delayed due to his late call-up to the Brazil World Cup squad, and are keen on West Ham's Matheus Fernandes. Anderson was the marquee name. It remains to be seen whether United switch their attentions to the likes of Brighton's Carlos Baleba, a player they were keen to sign last summer but whose valuation may now have dipped below the £100m-mark they were quoted 12 months ago. Another player of interest is Bournemouth's highly-rated Alex Scott, who has been with the England squad for their pre-World Cup preparations despite missing out on selection for the tournament itself.