Manchester City are considering Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali as an alternative, as Nottingham Forest play hardball over Elliot Anderson.
The Cityzens have had an unspecified opening offer turned down for Anderson, who is understood to be keen on a move to the Etihad.
However, Nottingham Forest are under no pressure to sell the England international and value the 23-year-old in excess of £100m. Forest are using Declan Rice’s £105m move from West Ham to Arsenal in 2023 as a comparative valuation for Anderson.
That fee would represent a club record deal for Manchester City, eclipsing the £100m spent to sign Jack Grealish from Aston Villa in 2021. Though Anderson remains the priority, alternatives are being discussed, including Tonali.
The Italy international is one of several Newcastle names linked with an exit, after the club failed to secure Champions League qualification.
Tonali has admirers in Serie A and is receptive to a return to Italy, though it’s likely to be Premier League teams who have the financial power to reach an agreement with Newcastle.
Fabrizio Romano has confirmed interest from Manchester City and Arsenal, who also admire Tonali and are weighing up an approach after tentative interest in January. Manchester United are also monitoring the situation.
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