Manchester City have moved to the front of the queue to sign England midfielder Elliot Anderson this summer, pulling clear of cross-city rivals Manchester United in what is shaping up to be a competitive chase for the player's signature.

According to ESPN FC's Transfer Talk, City are now considered the leading candidate to land Anderson, edging out United as both Manchester clubs had been heavily linked with the midfielder.

The development marks a notable shift in the transfer saga surrounding Anderson, who has attracted significant interest from some of England's biggest clubs. With City now holding the upper hand, United face the prospect of missing out on a player they had been monitoring closely.

Anderson's potential move to the Etihad Stadium would see him link up with one of Europe's most decorated squads, while a switch to Old Trafford would have offered him a different kind of challenge under their current rebuild.

The race for Anderson's signature underlines how highly regarded the England midfielder has become, with two of the Premier League's most storied clubs competing to secure his services ahead of the summer window.