Newcastle fear City will pursue £100m Tonali after sealing £116m Anderson deal

Newcastle are bracing for Manchester City to intensify their pursuit of Sandro Tonali once their £116 million move for Elliot Anderson is formally completed. The Etihad club have agreed a club-record fee for the Nottingham Forest midfielder, with Anderson set to undergo a medical after England’s game against Panama.

Despite the outlay on Anderson, City are prepared to continue strengthening their midfield and have been tracking Tonali for more than a year. The player is aware of City’s interest, according to the Telegraph, and Newcastle value him at £100 million. Tottenham have also entered the race, seeing an initial bid of around £75 million rejected last week. Dialogue between Spurs and Newcastle has continued, but a second offer has not yet been submitted.

Tonali is open to a move to London and is attracted by the prospect of playing under Roberto De Zerbi at Spurs, but would be equally willing to consider a switch to Manchester. Newcastle, however, are determined not to allow a summer exodus after already selling Anthony Gordon to Barcelona for £70 million.

The Magpies also lost Alexander Isak last summer in a drawn-out saga that disrupted their recruitment and retention planning. With Tonali now attracting serious interest from two major clubs, Newcastle are anxious to limit further departures from St. James’ Park.

Captain Bruno Guimarães has also attracted mild interest from Arsenal, though Newcastle regard him as significantly less likely to leave than Tonali. The Brazilian, signed from Lyon, would not be allowed to depart for less than £100 million and has built a deep connection with the club’s supporters. Guimarães has spoken publicly about his affection for Newcastle, and the club believes his attachment to the club makes a transfer far less probable.