Elliot Anderson leads Man City's summer targets as post-Guardiola rebuild takes shape

Manchester City have made Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson their primary transfer target this summer, submitting two bids for the England international — the second valued at £120m including £14m in add-ons — only to be turned away by Forest, who are holding out for a larger upfront fee. City believe a deal can still be concluded.

Anderson’s potential arrival would represent the marquee signing of what promises to be a significant rebuild at the Etihad. The club are entering their first summer without Pep Guardiola, and the squad is facing considerable uncertainty in midfield. Bernardo Silva has already departed, while Rodri — who has one year remaining on his contract — continues to be linked with Real Madrid, though the expectation is that the Spain international will remain in Manchester for at least another season.

The futures of Nico Gonzalez and Tijjani Reijnders are also unclear. Neither has fully established himself since arriving, and City may be open to offers. Mateo Kovacic, entering the final year of his deal with a renewal considered unlikely, could also be sold to generate funds.

That midfield flux has opened the door to a second signing in that area. City have identified Newcastle United’s Sandro Tonali as a target, though Anthony Gordon’s departure from St James’ Park to Barcelona has reduced Newcastle’s financial pressure to sell. City have also ruled out a move for Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez, despite reported interest from his former manager Enzo Maresca.

At right back, City are looking for a younger option to compete with Matheus Nunes, with Feyenoord’s Givairo Read and Atalanta’s Marco Palestra among the names under consideration. A winger is also on the agenda, particularly if Savinho completes an expected £60m move to Tottenham.

On the outgoings side, goalkeeper James Trafford is unlikely to accept another season as backup and has been linked with Newcastle. Rico Lewis, who struggled for minutes last season, could also leave. Defender Nathan Ake, with one year left on his contract, may weigh up his options, as could Josko Gvardiol.