Midfielder move conditional
Manchester City will only pursue Newcastle's Sandro Tonali if another midfielder leaves the Etihad this summer, according to sources.
The 26-year-old Italian is admired by the club, but for now the focus remains firmly on signing Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson. The England international is described as City's top priority, with the club not planning to sign both players in the same window.
City are understood to be waiting in the wings, ready to accelerate their interest in Tonali should a midfield exit materialise. Newcastle have set a £100m asking price for the former AC Milan man, while City are expected to pay in excess of £130m for Anderson.
Tottenham have already had one bid rejected for Tonali and are believed to be well ahead of City in the race for his signature.
Rodri uncertainty
City have already lost Bernardo Silva this summer, with the Portuguese departing for Real Madrid upon the expiry of his contract. That leaves Rodri as the focus of considerable speculation as the club moves on from the Pep Guardiola era.
The 30-year-old Spaniard, entering the final year of his deal, has been heavily linked with a move to Real Madrid. However, former City financial advisor Stefan Borson told Football Insider this week that the Spanish giants are unlikely to act on those links this summer.
Instead, Borson expects Rodri to see out his contract and head to the Spanish capital on a free transfer next summer. That could effectively block any move for Tonali this window, with Rodri still expected to be first choice in midfield next season.
Wage bill concerns
Borson has previously described City's wage bill as on the verge of becoming out of control, given the level of investment in the squad in recent years. The exits of Silva and John Stones will have helped, but further departures are still expected at senior level.
City's wages for last season were likely closing in on the £500m mark, a staggering figure even for a club of their resources. That is expected to be addressed behind the scenes this summer, with Borson suggesting some younger squad members could be moved on.