Newcastle braced for Manchester City approach despite deal for Elliot Anderson | OneFootball

Officials within Newcastle United are bracing themselves for concrete transfer interest from Manchester City for Sandro Tonali, according to a new report.

The transfer department at the City Football Academy has sent a clear message across the top-flight by completing a club record-shattering £116 million package to land Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest – subject to the completion of a medical.

Yet, rather than concluding their reconstruction of midfield upon the signing of the Englishman, Sporting Director Hugo Viana and incoming manager Enzo Maresca appear determined to add further.

With Maresca set to officially begin his tenure in the coming days following the conclusion of the Pep Guardiola dynasty, the target appears to be to build a versatile, physically imposing spine capable of controlling play.

It is this continued recruitment drive from Manchester City that has seemingly put Newcastle United in an uncomfortably defensive position as they navigate the early weeks of the summer window.

Man City could now turn to Newcastle for next transfer

Now, according to The Telegraph’s Luke Edwards, while Tottenham have done ‘all the early running’ to sign Sandro Tonali so far this summer, Manchester City have also been in ‘regular dialogue’ with Newcastle.

Tracking of Tonali from the Etihad Stadium has been ongoing for more than a year, according to the latest on the situation, and City have asked to be kept informed of developments regarding a potential sale of the midfielder.

The 26-year-old himself is said to be aware of interest from City and, while described as being ‘intrigued’ by the option of Spurs, he knows ‘a big decision’ will have to be made should a bid emerge from the North-West.

Perhaps most interestingly, having finalised the deal for Elliot Anderson this week, Manchester City could now step up their interest in Sandro Tonali, and sources at Newcastle reportedly expect that to happen, already lining up potential replacements.

Tonali would not mark the end of City’s business

Alongside talk of a potential pursuit of the Italy international, Manchester City’s Hugo Viana is managing a fluid array of moving components at the club, including one eye being placed on signing a new right-back.

Some reports have suggested City have already capped a £45 million valuation limit for Chelsea’s Malo Gusto as they look for a player to compliment Matheus Nunes in the role ahead of the new season.

City are also assessing Tottenham’s pursuit of winger Savinho, which could yet spark Viana going back into the market to strengthen the numbers in wide attacking roles in the event of a departure for the Brazilian.