(Credit: Imago)

James Murray

Wed 8 April 2026 18:00, UK

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Manchester City are “willing to spend very big” as they consider moves to sign midfielders Sandro Tonali and Elliot Anderson. 

That is according to former Man City financial adviser Stefan Borson, who exclusively told Football Insider Newcastle and Nottingham Forest could both have to sell a player this summer.

Pep Guardiola’s side have been linked with Tonali and Anderson as they look to strengthen in the middle of the park.

Bernardo Silva is expected to leave the Etihad Stadium once his contract expires on 30 June, while speculation has emerged around Rodri’s immediate future.

Man City have spent heavily on new signings over the past three transfer windows as they continue to revamp their squad. 

Could Man City sign both Sandro Tonali and Elliot Anderson?

Newcastle are expected to have breached Uefa’s financial rules, increasing the likelihood of one of their major stars leaving this summer. 

Meanwhile, Forest could also have failed to comply with the governing body’s regulations, leading to speculation around Anderson’s future at the City Ground. 

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Borson discussed whether Man City could look to sign both Tonali and Anderson once the transfer window opens. 

“Signing both is extremely unlikely, but Man City certainly appear to be willing to spend very big at the moment, not just on individual players, but on a number of players,” said Borson.

“There are signs that Newcastle will have to sell somebody if they want to invest more, given what they announced about the stadium sale. With European financial fair play, I would expect both Newcastle and Nottingham Forest to fail the Uefa football earnings test and probably also the squad cost ratios for the current season.

“We’ve known about that for a while, but certainly Newcastle have confirmed it in terms of their position, so they are currently in conversation with Uefa regarding a settlement. I would expect the situation with Nottingham Forest to be the same, so there’s strong reason for both of them to want to sell a player.” 

How much could Tonali and Anderson cost Man City?

Borson revealed Man City would have to spend big if they want to sign Tonali or Anderson this summer.

“I do think both players will probably be in the £80m ballpark,” said Borson. 

“It’s unlikely City would sign both, but clearly they are keen to sign one. United are as well, but Tonali is more expensive than Anderson, just because the wages might be slightly higher because of his base where he’s coming from.

“Whereas Anderson’s probably on a lower base right now and therefore the uplift, he might be okay. But clearly, Tonali’s agent is working very hard to get him a move, that’s for sure.”