Tinnion is also eyeing a second-choice goalkeeper and another defender.
He said: "I want a tight-knit unit intent on pulling in the same direction and I want good cover for every single position, so that it's a case of who wants that particular shirt the most.
"Marcus, for example, could have doubled his money playing in the Championship but he wanted to come here and I expect him to be - and I know he will be - an example to all his fellow pros at the club."
"I always said we needed a left footer to add balance to the side (Smith), a big centre-half (Heywood) and a midfielder with experience and quality (Russell), and we have those now.
"I'm delighted with all the signings and the beauty is, they're desperate to play for City.
"They're all good characters and I expect them and the rest of the lads to go into the season focused on one thing, winning the league."