Nottingham Forest boss Vitor Pereira has dropped the strongest hint yet that star midfielder Elliot Anderson could be on his way out of the City Ground this summer.

Manchester United have enjoyed a strong finish to the season, all but securing third place with just two games remaining. A single point against either Nottingham Forest or Brighton & Hove Albion would mathematically lock in that position—or a draw between Aston Villa and Liverpool this Friday would do the trick, as they are the only two clubs still in striking distance.

Yet despite their solid league standing, United are already plotting a busy summer rebuild, especially in midfield. With Casemiro heading for the exit and Manuel Ugarte's future at Old Trafford looking uncertain, Kobbie Mainoo stands as the club's only truly reliable central option. That has fueled rumors that United could target as many as three midfielders in the upcoming window.

Among the names on their radar—Carlos Baleba, Mateus Fernandes, Sandro Tonali, Joao Gomes, and Atalanta's Ederson—one player has been consistently linked all season: Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson. Reports have even labeled him United's "dream midfield target."

But any deal won't come easy. Manchester City are also circling as rival suitors, and Forest—now safe from relegation—are expected to demand a hefty price tag for their prized asset.

Speaking after Forest's 1-1 draw with Newcastle United, Pereira offered the most telling sign yet that Anderson may be playing his final games for the club.

"It's difficult for me, and everybody, to understand what he is feeling inside of him," Pereira said, as quoted by ESPN. "I believe that he is honouring his mother, going inside the pitch and running until the last metre, until the last breath. I cannot say [whether he will stay]. I don't have the answer. I know he deserves the top of the world."

He added: "I know that he's our player, and we need to enjoy him because I have worked with top talent players, but to find a top player with this character is not easy. I'm not thinking about the next season. I'm thinking about finishing this season in the best way."

For now, Forest fans may want to savor every last run from their midfield maestro—because summer could change everything.