Man City line up Sandro Tonali in Elliot Anderson back-up plan - Fabrizio Romano

Manchester City has made Elliot Anderson the primary target of their summer transfer window.

The former Newcastle United midfielder was expected to be one of the most sought-after players in the window, but Nottingham Forest isn't going to allow the England star to leave on the cheap.

Man City have reportedly already made a bid for Anderson, which has been rejected by Forest, who are holding out for £105 million for the player they stole from Newcastle for just £35 million in a PSR-forced move.

As bitter as Newcastle fans would be if that deal were to go through, there's a chance they could feel even worse if it doesn't.

Tonali lined up by Man City 

According to transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano, should Man City fail in their pursuit of Anderson, they could turn their attention to Sandro Tonali.

The Italian has been linked with Arsenal and Manchester United, while City's name has been hinted at in the past, but now Romano has claimed on X and YouTube that he could be the Cityzens' backup plan.

He reports that Tonali is emerging as a 'strong option', with new boss Enzo Maresca on the hunt for midfielders following Bernardo Silva's release.

"Manchester City remain in talks for Elliot Anderson after first bid rejected, but Forest want more than 100m.

"Understand Sandro Tonali is emerging as strong option for Man City if Anderson deal can’t get done. Arsenal are also keen on Tonali."

Newcastle need to keep hold of Tonali

Seeing Nottingham Forest potentially making a £70 million profit on a Newcastle academy graduate is sickening. Especially as nobody wanted him to leave the club.

However, we'd far rather see that happen than see us lose another top player from our squad this summer, especially to a Premier League rival.

I will still fight the corner for Sandro Tonali to remain at Newcastle, but I'm not blind to the fact that he was nowhere near as good last season as he was the season before. That being said, I do think that if he commits to the club and puts a muzzle on his agent so he can get on with his job on Tyneside, he'll get back to his best.,