The transfer window is already taking new twists for Man Utd months before it opens, and the latest has changed the situation around Elliot Anderson and Sandro Tonali.
Man Utd’s priority target has shifted from Carlos Baleba to Elliot Anderson to Sandro Tonali in a span of less than a year.
Tonali came to the fore because Anderson seemed closer to Man City instead, and the player was open to a move to Old Trafford as well.
However, the latest twist seems to suggest things might not be as clear-cut as before, as an ambitious Anderson target gives way to a Tonali concern.
Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali facing Qarabag in the Champions League.
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Man Utd set Elliot Anderson deadline
What looked like a losing battle for United at one time has the club setting an ambitious target for completing the deal now.
The Athletic reports that United want a deal for Anderson to be done before the World Cup if it materialises.
It falls right in line with Ineos’ modus operandi, who don’t prefer to get dragged into bidding wars and transfer sagas.
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It happened with Liam Delap last summer, which ended in failure, and it happened with Bryan Mbeumo as well, ending in success.
United’s stance is clear. Anderson needs to make a decision before the World Cup so they can proceed in the window accordingly.
Either they will have wrapped up a deal for this summer window’s crown jewel well ahead of time, or they will know they need to pivot quickly to not get caught out late.
Either way, this ambitious deadline has been a result of a concern surrounding Tonali.
Man Utd’s concern with Sandro Tonali
Tonali is the perfect Ineos signing on paper due to his age, playing profile, willingness to move to the club, and being Premier League-proven.
IF Elliot Anderson signs for Man City, who would be your TOP PRIORITY midfield alternative?
Elliot Anderson knee slide for Nottingham Forest.
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However, in the same report, it is mentioned that United are concerned about Tonali’s gambling ban, which hit him when he signed for Newcastle.
That is apparently too big a cloud for United to ignore, especially when the high costs of a potential deal with Newcastle are factored in.
This has led to a new twist where the possibility of a deal for the most likely summer target in the last few days is being actively played down by United sources.
Ultimately, this could be all smoke and mirrors to start a game of poker with Newcastle. At least Man Utd fans know that regardless of which direction this goes, the club are seeking clarity and have a purpose to strengthen with a marquee signing.
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