'That cannot happen' - Man City's '£130m' Elliot Anderson deal stuns expert

Man City are prioritising a move for Elliot Anderson and look set to miss out on signing Sandro Tonali as a result.

Anderson's future has been one of the most hotly debated topics in football over the last few months.

He emerged as a standout for Nottingham Forest last season, joining Tonali on the list of elite Premier League midfielders.

City want to back prospective new boss Enzo Maresca this summer, and have been linked with an audacious double swoop of both stars.

Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Anderson's £130million price tag will mean that City cannot also sign Tonali.

They look to have installed Anderson as their top midfield target after seeing an initial £120m bid rejected by the Reds.

Tonali, who is valued by Newcastle at £100million, could well be on the move as several top clubs keep tabs on his services, but he seems increasingly unlikely to head to the Etihad Stadium.

Anderson has started both of England's first two group games at the World Cup, with Forest keen to receive a British record transfer fee to part ways with him this summer.

Tonali has also been on the Citizens' radar, but is seen as an alternative to the 23-year-old rather than someone to play alongside him next season.

“Well, with Manchester City, you never know. At first, I would think no (they can not sign Anderson and Tonali)," Brown exclusively told Football Insider.

"Anderson has been my favourite star prospect in the Premier League for some time now, and I've always thought that he was the best alternative Manchester United could get to replace Casemiro.

“It would appear that that's not going to happen. City are going to find £130m, apparently, for it to happen.”

Tonali registered three goals and six assists in 53 appearances across all competitions for Newcastle last season.

Their lack of European football has made a move seem likely this summer, but his next destination could be one of several clubs with money to spend.

After seeing a first bid of around £80m rejected by the Magpies, sources have told Football Insider that Tottenham remain in talks to sign Tonali in the coming weeks.

He is a top target for Roberto De Zerbi, and they are likely to offer big wages and a sizeable second bid to get a deal over the line soon.