- Man Utd want to sign Sandro Tonali
- Man City ready to go “all in”
- Citizens to turn to Tonali if priced out of Elliot Anderson
Manchester City continue to be a thorn in Manchester United‘s side heading into the summer transfer window. The Red Devils’ top target is Elliot Anderson but the Citizens are favourites to land the Nottingham Forest midfielder.
According to David Ornstein of The Athletic, City made an opening bid for Anderson, which was rejected. They remain keen and are continuing to pursue the England international.
United are also eyeing Anderson but their stance has been that they will not bid as high as Forest are valuing the player. That is thought to be over £100m, but there’s no word on how much City proposed to the Tricky Trees.
Man City to rival Man Utd for Tonali
According to Fabrizio Romano, City are considering going “all in” on Sandro Tonali if they fail to sign Anderson. That is a setback for United, who have the Newcastle United midfielder on their shortlist.
Tonali is one of the Red Devils’ many marquee midfield targets as they bid to replace Casemiro. He has been linked with the club in recent months and seems keen to leave St James’ Park.
Newcastle’s failure to qualify for Europe has cast doubts over Tonali‘s future. The 26-year-old has two years left on his contract but is eager to continue playing in the UEFA Champions League.
The Magpies are thought to value the Italian at £100m, a fee United are unlikely to pay. With City ready to move for him if they don’t sign Anderson, it could mean two potential Casemiro replacements are ruled out.
Tonali made 53 appearances across competitions this season, posting three goals and seven assists. He joined the Tyneside outfit from AC Milan back in the summer of 2023 for £55m.
City continue to be a problem
United need a top defensive-midfield signing to address Casemiro’s departure. Tonali is certainly a good solution given his impressive displays in the Premier League in recent years.
Anderson had been the dream signing for INEOS but City have always led the race. The 23-year-old is leaning towards a move to the Etihad if the Sky Blues can agree on a fee with Forest.
United are now in a position where they might even be prepared to bite the bullet over Anderson if they can negotiate a fee below £100m for Tonali. They are set to make Atalanta’s Ederson the first signing of Michael Carrick’s reign, but the Brazilian doesn’t have the world-class quality required to replace Casemiro.
