(Credit: Imago)

Jack Dawson

Fri 27 March 2026 8:15, UK

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Newcastle United must make an approach for Elliot Anderson before the end of the transfer window, with Sandro Tonali’s exit looking increasingly likely.

The Magpies face a difficult summer transfer window ahead, with multiple players linked away after a poor season so far.

Tonali is perhaps the biggest name, with rumours swirling about the midfielder’s future at St James’ Park.

Now, the Daily Mail on 26 March has claimed that Tonali has risen to the top of Manchester United’s shortlist, and a formal approach is expected at the end of the campaign.

Therefore, Football Insider has explained why a Magpies move for Anderson has to be made as soon as possible to prepare for the Italy international’s exit.

Elliot Anderson has to be Newcastle’s number one target

If Newcastle are to lose Tonali in the summer, it will be a massive loss for the club.

The midfielder has been one of the club’s best players this season and boasts some phenomenal stats.

Therefore, his replacement has to be a readymade midfielder, and someone that Howe can trust.

The most obvious candidate in Anderson, who has been excellent at Nottingham Forest since his departure from St James’ Park.

However, unlike last summer, when Newcastle were scrambling to find an Alexander Isak replacement, the club has to go in early for Anderson.

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 Elliot Anderson (Nottingham Forest, 23)
📊 vs Premier League Midfielders

◉ Touches – 1st
◉ Passes completed – 1st
◉ Forward passes completed – 1st
◉ Short passes completed – 1st
◉ Progressive passes completed – 1st
◉ Accurate passes to final third – 1st
◉ Accurate… pic.twitter.com/A39V02cwOZ

— DataMB (@DataMB_) March 25, 2026

The Magpies cannot afford another long and drawn-out transfer saga, as it clearly affected their start to the 2025-26 campaign.

As a result, they should make a move for Anderson as soon as possible in the hopes of beating their Premier League rivals and ensuring that they still have a quality midfield if Tonali does leave.

Who else is interested in Anderson?

Man United chief scout Mick Brown exclusively told Football Insider that Anderson to Manchester City is the most likely scenario in the summer.

Pep Guardiola’s side have also been linked to the midfielder as he continues to impress at the City Ground.

Only last summer, Newcastle had lost out to Man City in the race for James Trafford, and will not want a repeat of this in the coming months.

However, given the Citizens’ financial muscle, it may be hard for the Magpies to compete if they decide to make a move for Anderson.