Newcastle bracing themselves for City approach
Manchester City are being tipped to step up their long-running interest in Sandro Tonali after completing a club-record move for Elliot Anderson, according to reports.
Officials at Newcastle United are understood to be bracing for concrete transfer interest from the Etihad for the Italian midfielder as the summer window gathers pace.
City’s record-shattering £116 million package to land Anderson from Nottingham Forest — subject to a medical — was meant to signal the start of a midfield rebuild, not the end of one. Sporting Director Hugo Viana and incoming manager Enzo Maresca appear determined to add further bodies in the centre of the pitch.
According to The Telegraph’s Luke Edwards, while Tottenham have done the early running in pursuit of Tonali so far this summer, City have kept regular dialogue with the Magpies. Tracking of the 26-year-old from the Etihad has been ongoing for more than a year, and City have asked to be kept informed of developments regarding a potential sale.
Player aware of interest
Tonali is said to be aware of City’s interest and, while described as intrigued by the option of Spurs, he knows a big decision will have to be made should a bid emerge from the North-West.
Sources at Newcastle reportedly expect City to intensify their pursuit now the Anderson deal is finalised, with the club already lining up potential replacements.
Beyond Tonali, Viana is managing a fluid set of moving components. City are also assessing the right-back market, with some reports suggesting a £45 million valuation limit has been placed on Chelsea’s Malo Gusto as they look for someone to complement Matheus Nunes in the role.
Meanwhile, Tottenham’s pursuit of winger Savinho could yet spark Viana into strengthening wide attacking numbers in the event of a departure for the Brazilian.