Just in: Newcastle making plans to steal Man Utd’s No.1 transfer target if they sign Guimaraes or Tonali

Newcastle United will reportedly look to bring Elliot Anderson back to St. James’ Park if Manchester United sign either Bruno Guimaraes or Sandro Tonali.Indeed, the Magpies, according to TeamTalk, have been made aware of United’s interest in their midfield duo and would work to steal their No.1 transfer target in response.DOWNLOAD THE OFFICIAL STRETTY NEWS APP FOR ALL THE LATEST UPDATES & BREAKING NEWS – STRAIGHT TO YOUR PHONE! ON APPLE & GOOGLE PLAYUnited’s interest in Tonali and Guimaraes: What’s been said?Speculation in recent weeks has suggested that the Red Devils have shortlisted both Guimaraes and Tonali as they search for Premier League-proven midfielders to replace seasoned veteran Casemiro.However, it’s become common knowledge over the last year that Anderson sits atop INEOS’ list of ideal midfield acquisitions.The consistent form he’s shown in the top flight at just 23 years old has led to him becoming a six-capped England international, with it widely anticipated he will be included in Thomas Tuchel’s World Cup squad this summer.United and arch-rivals Manchester City are expected to go head-to-head in pursuit of Anderson at the end of the season, so Newcastle throwing themselves in the mix may throw a spanner in the works. Player Appearances Goal contributions Minutes played Anderson 110 15 6,765 Guimaraes 147 55 12,345 Tonali 73 9 5,115 (How each player has fared in the Premier League, courtesy of Transfermarkt)Why Anderson might favour a return to NewcastleOne advantage that the Tyneside outfit has over the Manchester clubs is that Whitley Bay-born Anderson is a boyhood Newcastle fan and an academy graduate.Even since his move to Nottingham Forest, he has never shied away from his love for the Magpies and was spotted in attendance celebrating their Carabao Cup triumph last term. Elliot Anderson was loving it in the Newcastle end ❤️#ITVFootball #NUFC #carabocupfinal pic.twitter.com/B8ARXrOsVI — ITV Football (@itvfootball) March 16, 2025That being said, after growing accustomed to playing European football via the Europa League this campaign, he likely won’t want to give that up – and Newcastle sit 12th-placed heading into matchweek 30.As for the likes of Tonali, his agent has already hinted that the Italian could be on the move this year if Eddie Howe’s men fail to qualify for the Champions League. 🔺 NEW: Sandro Tonali’s agent has revealed that the player is considering leaving Newcastle United in the summer and may need Champions League football to tempt him to stay at St James’ Park. Read the details ⬇️https://t.co/5yOmwSEJKz — Times Sport (@TimesSport) February 6, 2026