'Man City's wage bill is out of control, but Sandro Tonali deal could still happen'

Manchester City could still sign Newcastle United star Sandro Tonali despite a dangerously high wage bill at the Etihad Stadium.

That is according to former Manchester City financial adviser Stefan Borson, who exclusively told Football Insider that Man City could free up further funds after the departures of John Stones and Bernardo Silva.

While the experienced duo have left on free transfers, the freeing up of their wages has come as a big boost behind the scenes, opening the door for Tonali to be signed.

It is understood that the Citizens are the latest club to join the race for the Italian international, as the player's agent attempts to drum up further interest this summer.

Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester United and Arsenal are all keeping tabs on the situation, but the Magpies have no desire to sell the midfield maestro, unless a huge offer comes in.

This could rule multiple teams out of agreeing a deal this summer, but Borson believes that City could still be in with a chance, even if Elliot Anderson arrives on a record-breaking transfer.

While Tonali could make the switch to the Etihad, the club's former financial advisor believes that Man City's growing wage bill could represent a problem.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Borson said: "I think it's feasible because it's been confirmed as being true and feasible. So I'll assume that it is feasible.

"I do think City's overall cost base is on the edge of being out of control in terms of wage bill and everything else.

"I think they will have to deal with some of the sales. Wages-wise, Bernardo[Silva] and [John] Stones have gone. So that's strong.

"I would think there are one or two young players who will go this summer as well. Again, this all balances the books to an extent, but the wage bill itself is a problem.

"I do think that for last season it probably wasn't far short of £500million on the UEFA measure, £468m the previous season. It's getting extremely high."

Despite the new interest around Tonali, Man City supporters are waiting patiently over a potential deal for Nottingham Forest's No.8.

The midfielder being away on international duty at the 2026 World Cup makes things a little more difficult, but the two parties appear to be edging ever-closer to an agreement.

Fabrizio Romano's latest update is that the deal is at the "final stages," who would undergo a medical in the US should an agreement be reached.

It seems like a matter of when, rather than if, over a deal for Anderson, and Man City will only be more confident of spending so much as he continunes to impress at the World Cup.