“He’s a player we admire a lot, and the club is prepared to take concrete steps when the time is right. Situations like this depend on many factors, but interest is very real.” — Manchester United are reportedly set to make a FORMAL move for Sandro Tonali at the end of the season, with plans already taking shape behind the scenes
Manchester United are reportedly planning to make a formal offer for Newcastle’s Sandro Tonali when the season concludes. The Italian midfielder is said to be neither pushing for a move nor particularly committed to staying at St James’ Park, with Newcastle’s underwhelming campaign dampening his enthusiasm.
Tonali has risen to the top of United’s midfield wish list after Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton made clear he would prefer a move to Manchester City rather than Old Trafford. The interest extends beyond the scouting department — captain Bruno Fernandes is said to be enthusiastic about the prospect, impressed by what the former AC Milan man has produced this season.
United may be the leading suitors, but they are not the only ones. A return to Italy appears off the table for now, with Serie A clubs unable to match the likely transfer fee. TEAMtalk puts Tonali’s valuation at around £100 million, a figure United are reportedly willing to meet — though both Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich are expected to test the waters if the opportunity arises.
Adding to the sense that a departure is probable, Newcastle had apparently assured Tonali he could leave this summer should the club fail to qualify for the Champions League. With the Magpies sitting 12th, seven points adrift of the top five, that exit clause looks increasingly likely to be triggered.
The timing works well for United too. Casemiro’s expected departure leaves a gap in the defensive midfield role, and Tonali’s profile aligns closely with what Carrick is looking for. United are understood to be targeting at least two midfield additions ahead of next season, and the 25-year-old would represent a significant statement of intent.
