Manchester United have placed Sandro Tonali high on their shortlist ahead of a planned midfield overhaul in the summer transfer window, according to a report by The Telegraph’s Mike McGrath.
McGrath reported
that Tonali is expected to be the main saga around Newcastle’s transfer next summer, mostly because of the hint thrown out by Tonali’s agent on deadline day last week, prompting questions about the Italy international’s future in Tyneside.
The report confirms Juventus’ concrete interest in bringing Tonali back to Serie A, while mentioning Arsenal and Manchester City as clubs also monitoring the midfielder.
Manchester United, however, have entered the race and are now understood to have added Tonali to their list of targets as a stronger suitor for the midfielder, mostly as Casemiro’s replacement for next season.
McGrath reported that United have confirmed the Brazil international will leave at the end of the season, leaving a vacancy in central midfield that Tonali is viewed as capable of filling long-term. His report also mentions Tonali’s experience as something strengthening his appeal to the Red Devils, despite his gambling suspension putting a red flag on his resume.
“With central midfielders Enzo Fernández, Moisés Caicedo and Declan Rice being bought for more than £100m each,” McGrath stated, Newcastle would be expected to receive “a huge fee” for Tonali.
Although manager Eddie Howe has firmly said that Tonali is happy at the club, comments from Tonali’s agent, Giuseppe Riso, drew attention last week.
“Newcastle are having a hard time letting go of Sandro, and he wants to lead the club to the Champions League,” Riso said. “We’ll evaluate and decide what to do in the summer.”
Riso added that no decision has been made at this point, but hinted at a summer move.
“There’s no preference,” Riso said. “It’s still early. What we’re saying today won’t apply tomorrow.”
