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Manchester City are more likely to table a bid for Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali than rivals Manchester United, according to talkSPORT reporter Ben Jacobs.
Speaking on The United Stand YouTube channel, Jacobs said that City are the team that would be more willing to match the Italian’s asking price, but only if they fail to land their top target:
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“I hear more movement on Man City and Tonali, even though they are totally focused now on Elliot Anderson. A lot of the noise around Tonali and a potential move has come out of the blue half of Manchester.”
“Newcastle’s valuation is in excess of £100m; the wage is still high, the agent commissions are high as well. Unless something in those categories changes to open the possibility of getting a deal done cheaper, then I am not expecting Manchester United to do it on the terms that they think are currently in place, but if something drops, then of course the situation could change.”
Tonali could stay at St James’ Park
From the sound of things, Man United have been priced out, while City could also pull out if they do manage to agree a fee for Elliot Anderson. They have had a second bid rejected for the England international, but another offer could be made. Nottingham Forest are reportedly holding out for around £130m, including add-ons.
Arsenal have shown some interest in Tonali too, having had further talks with his agent, but the Gunners are not currently in a position where they can spend sizeable sums on a midfielder.
With that being the case, there is a scenario where Tonali does remain at Newcastle beyond the summer transfer window.
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Newcastle don’t need to lower their demands.
Considering the price Anderson could fetch, and reports suggesting that West Ham want around £85m for Mateus Fernandes, the Magpies are well within their rights to ask for a fee in excess of £100m for Tonali.
Anderson and Fernandes are much less experienced than Tonali, who is about to hit his prime years as a professional footballer.
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