Manchester United are reportedly readying a summer transfer swoop for Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali. The Red Devils will be bidding farewell to Brazilian veteran Casemiro when he hits free agency, meaning that reinforcements in the Old Trafford engine room will be sought. It is claimed that Italy international Tonali will come with a £100 million ($136m) price tag.
Tonali expected to generate summer transfer saga
Tonali generated plenty of speculation at the end of the winter window, as his future at St James’ Park was called into question. Title-chasing Arsenal were credited with interest at that stage, as Mikel Arteta scoured the market after losing Mikel Merino to an untimely injury.
Reports of an approach being made from Emirates Stadium were quickly played down, but exit talk in the North East has refused to go away. Tonali is expected to form part of another transfer saga when the next recruitment market opens for business.
Sandro Tonali Newcastle 2025-26Getty
Man Utd considering several midfield targets
According to The Telegraph, Manchester United will be in that mix. Juventus are said to hold “concrete interest” in the former AC Milan star, as he is lined up for a return to his homeland, but the Red Devils are prepared to offer him an extended stay in English football.
Tonali is one of several options under consideration on the red half of Manchester. Nottingham Forest star Elliott Anderson is also being monitored, alongside fellow England international Adam Wharton of Crystal Palace.
It is claimed that Manchester City have also had Tonali watched, with the Blues forever in the market for proven Premier League performers. If Newcastle were to be tempted into a sale, then a huge profit would be made on a player that they acquired for £55m ($75m) in 2023.
The Magpies have Tonali tied to a contract through to 2029, so his valuation will remain high. They have seen the likes of Declan Rice, Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo move for nine-figure sums, with the expectation being that a similar fee would be required in order to prise an all-action performer away from Tyneside.
Newcastle boss Eddie Howe has claimed that his No.8 appears happy enough in his current surroundings. He said in the wake of deadline day gossip: “There was no intention from our side to lose Sandro at all.
“He is very happy here, loves playing for Newcastle, and loves the city. Sandro is absolutely fine. I had discussions with him yesterday. His focus is on the here and now and with us. There is no issue with Sandro himself. He is happy and committed.”
Quizzed on whether there could be a repeat of the Alexander Isak saga, which saw the Swedish striker push for a big-money move to Liverpool in 2025, Howe added: “I don’t think so, but lots of things happen without my knowledge.
“As far as I am aware, we have an outstanding footballer and outstanding person, and he has a great relationship with me and his teammates, seems really happy in himself, and that would be a surprise to me.
“Our best players will always be attracting glances from other clubs, that is just the reality of football. We want to keep the group together, keep being progressive, and, of course, Sandro plays a part in that. All encompassed, I don’t see an issue, but I am not in control of everything.”
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