Manchester City will bid again for Elliot Anderson, despite seeing their opening offer knocked back by Nottingham Forest.
City have made signing a new midfielder a priority this summer, as they look to begin their rebuild after the departure of Pep Guardiola.
The Catalan leaves the Etihad Stadium after ten years in charge, where he won 20 trophies.
City finished in second place this term, pipped to the Premier League title by Arsenal, who claimed a first top-flight honour in 22 years.
Now, the FA Cup and Carabao Cup holders are eyeing England international Anderson, who is in line to play a key role for the Three Lions at this summer’s World Cup, as the perfect man to strengthen their engine room.
The former Newcastle United man was an ever-present for Forest in the league last season, and has impressed enough to earn himself some serious suitors, including City and Manchester United.
It was reported on Wednesday night that City had had an opening bid rejected by Forest for their No8, but Fabrizio Romano revealed on Thursday that there would be a second bid coming.
Forest are believed to be after around £100million for their star, with Declan Rice’s 2023 move to Arsenal - for an £105m package - seen as the benchmark figure.
Should Anderson prove too expensive, there is now an alternative option that City may look to explore, and Romano believes that to be Sandro Tonali, of Newcastle United.
The Italian himself has been a near ever-present for the Magpies in the last two terms, playing 35 games in the top flight.
He most definitely will not come cheap, and Newcastle are in no need to sell having just received €80m for Anthony Gordon from Barcelona.
