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Fabrizio Romano: Tonali on Man United shortlist, City target Anderson, Xavi Simons latest
Robin Bairner
- 30 Mar 2026 07:20 BST
- 5 min read
News
Football transfer news expert Fabrizio Romano has given a series of important updates, including the latest on Manchester United’s midfielder hunt, Manchester City’s desire to sign Elliot Anderson and Xavi Simons’ plans.
Manchester United midfield focus: Tonali top of the list
Man Utd will sign at least one new midfielder in the summer due to the impending exit of Casemiro, with the Red Devils potentially even chasing two such players.
Current ETV
Sandro Tonali
DM, M (C)
Newcastle
Sandro Tonali
DM, M (C)
Newcastle
ETV Range
€53.1M - €64.8M
Romano has explained that there is a new priority at Old Trafford.
“One of the names very high on their shortlist is Sandro Tonali. Tonali has been excellent recently, scoring for Italy against Northern Ireland and performing very well for Newcastle United. Newcastle also expect potential movement around him this summer,” he told his YouTube channel.
“It is important to note that Manchester United have already made contact with Tonali’s camp to be informed about his situation. There is still no agreement, no negotiation stage yet, but the interest is real and consistent.
“Tonali appreciates the idea of returning to a bigger European stage if all parties align, so this one will be worth keeping an eye on.
“There is also interest from Arsenal, confirmed, but again nothing advanced there either. For Italian clubs, including Juventus, the deal would be financially almost impossible.
“So as of today, United like Tonali, early contact made, and the midfielder is aware of their interest. It is still early, but expect this to heat up later in the window.”
Manchester City pushing for Elliot Anderson
While United are also watching Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson, it’s Manchester City leading the way for the England international.
Romano explained: “As I told you before, Pep Guardiola’s side are pushing strongly for Elliot Anderson, the talented midfielder from Nottingham Forest. Anderson is very high on City’s shortlist.
“They appreciate his versatility, creativity, and intelligence on the ball, but they do not want to disrupt Forest in the middle of their relegation battle, so things are quiet for now.
Current ETV
Elliot Anderson
M, DM (C)
N. Forest
Elliot Anderson
M, DM (C)
N. Forest
ETV Range
€42.9M - €52.4M
“Still, City are preparing for this move. And interestingly, Anderson is also admired by Manchester United.
“So as of today, heading into April, this is how it looks: Man Utd are very keen on Tonali, and watching Anderson too. Manchester Cit are pushing for Anderson, but keeping close tabs on Tonali.
“Both clubs are following the same two players. The battle of the Manchester midfields could be one of the big stories of the summer.
“If this were late July, you might say Tonali to United, Anderson to City, but it is still early. Both sides will review their managerial situations and budgets before going further. Arsenal could also join the conversation later on.”
Xavi Simons situation: Barcelona talk premature
Tottenham could well see an exodus of players in the summer, even if they are successful in their battle against relegation, and Xavi Simons is one who is already being linked with an exit.
“We have seen more reports linking him with a possible return to Barcelona, but here is my understanding: there is nothing ongoing between Xavi Simons and Barca right now,” Romano said.
“It has been a difficult season for Xavi at Tottenham, but not just for him. It has been complicated for the entire club. Still, we have seen glimpses of his quality, especially in the Champions League.
“Of course, the Barcelona rumours will always appear, because Xavi Simons grew up in La Masia. It is his dream one day to wear the Barcelona shirt again. But right now, the club’s focus is elsewhere, on a new centre-back like Alessandro Bastoni and on a striker.
“So yes, the long-term dream remains, but for now there are no talks and no negotiations.”
Current ETV
Xavi Simons
AM (C), M (CL)
Tottenham
Xavi Simons
AM (C), M (CL)
Tottenham
ETV Range
€71.9M - €87.9M
Schlotterbeck set for new Dortmund deal
There have been many rumours surrounding Dortmund centre-back Nico Schlotterbeck ahead of the summer, but these are set to come to an abrupt halt.
“As reported by Bild, talks between his camp and Borussia Dortmund are almost complete,” Romano said.
“A verbal agreement is in place for a new contract until 2031, with an improved salary that makes him one of the best-paid defenders in the Bundesliga, and a release clause that will become active in 2027 worth around €60-65m.
“The only step left is Schlotterbeck’s official green light to sign. Dortmund are confident this will happen soon.
“Real Madrid and Liverpool have both admired the player but never made formal proposals. Liverpool moved for Jeremie Jacquet in January instead. Despite reports, Barcelona’s target remains Bastoni, not Schlotterbeck.”
Related stories:
Transfer Rumours: Cole Palmer saga begins as Chelsea fight rivals for defender
Fabrizio Romano Transfer News: Man Utd confirmation, Real Madrid's next signing, Bastoni truth
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