There is a growing acceptance at Manchester United that their priority midfield target, Elliot Anderson, is Manchester City-bound.
Indeed, the departure of Pep Guardiola has not altered City’s stance when it comes to the Nottingham Forest starlet, with soon-to-be-manager Enzo Maresca also keen on having Anderson in his ranks.
United to Move for Sandro Tonali After Anderson Setback
<p>As a result, INEOS is now shifting its focus to other shortlisted candidates, including <a href="https://strettynews.com/2026/05/12/newcastle-likely-to-make-two-major-sales-sandro-tonali-manchester-united/?_gl=1*16f5l9x*_up*MQ..*_ga*NTgxODI5Njc0LjE3Nzk5MTMxNTE.*_ga_95W7L5XZ6E*czE3Nzk5MTMxNTEkbzEkZzAkdDE3Nzk5MTMxNTEkajYwJGwwJGgw">Newcastle United’s Sandro Tonali</a>. According to <a href="https://www.calciomercato.it/2026/05/26/tonali-verso-il-manchester-united-lerede-dalla-serie-a-affare-con-la-big/">CalcioMercato</a>, the Red Devils are preparing to go ‘all in’ for him.</p>
<p>It’s likely that he will be on the move this summer due to his desire to continue playing in the Champions League, and Newcastle’s 12th-placed finish on Sunday confirmed that wouldn't be something they could offer in 2026/2027.</p>
</div>A return to his native Italy, where he previously represented Brescia and his boyhood club AC Milan, is said to be ruled out for Tonali, as potential suitors would struggle to meet his wages or price tag.
Is a Deal for Tonali Financially Feasible?
<p>On the other hand, United is capable of doing both, but that doesn’t guarantee they will.</p>
<p>The salary cap introduced by INEOS after their arrival in M16 in February 2024 means no new players will be granted exorbitant wages immediately.</p>
<p>This policy aims to avoid situations like Jadon Sancho’s, who received £250,000-a-week and experienced two disappointing campaigns at the club before spending the rest of his five-year deal on loan.</p>
<p>While Casemiro was ultimately seen as a successful addition, it did raise eyebrows when he joined at the age of 30 and started earning a staggering £350,000 each week.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, the Magpies’ asking price for one of their most valuable assets remains uncertain, as well as any potential premium if United emerges as the preferred destination.</p>
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Appearances (substitute)</td>
<td>Goals</td>
<td>Assists</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>79 (15)</td>
<td>5</td>
<td>4</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p>Tonali’s Premier League record courtesy of their <a href="https://www.premierleague.com/en/players/432422/sandro-tonali/stats">official website</a></p>
<p>25-year-old Tonali was previously hailed by <a href="https://football-italia.net/three-things-learned-italy-estonia-tonali-5-0/">Football Italia</a> as ‘the best midfielder in the country’ when representing his nation last year.</p>
</div>