Manchester United are set to make a ‘formal approach’ to sign Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali at the top of the season, in line with reports.
The 25-year-old Italian has been probably the most influential players at St James’ Park since his arrival from AC Milan in 2023 for £55milion.
Tonali helped Newcastle win the Carabao Cup last season and was a key figure behind the club’s journey to the last-16 of the Champions League this campaign.
And that form has not gone unnoticed by several top clubs, with Arsenal reportedly sounding out a last-minute bid for Tonali at the top of January transfer window only just a few months ago.
Speculation over Tonali’s future is more likely to ramp up once more in the approaching months, with the Day by day Mail reporting that the Italian is ready to change into United’s top goal for a brand new central midfielder.
The Red Devils are also fascinated by Adam Wharton and Elliot Anderson, but at the moment are expected to make a proper approach for Tonali as they hunt for a alternative for Casemiro, who will leave Old Trafford at the top of this season.
The report adds that a move for Tonali has even been endorsed by club captain Bruno Fernandes, who has been impressed by the midfielder’s performances under Eddie Howe.
Your football fix
Metro‘s Head of Sport James Goldman delivers punchy evaluation, transfer talk and his tackle the week’s biggest stories direct to your inbox every week.
Enroll here, it’s an open goal.
With three years left on Tonali’s contract – plus a club option to increase by an additional 12 months – Newcastle will demand a sizeable fee to let go of certainly one of their prized assets.
Additional reports suggest that a price tag of £80m has been slapped on the midfielder, who has missed just two league matches all season for the Magpies.
Speaking last month, Tonali’s agent Giuseppe Riso hinted that Newcastle may find it hard to maintain hold of Tonali should they fail to qualify for the Champions League.
‘Newcastle are having a tough time letting go of Sandro, and he wants to guide the club to the Champions League,’ Riso said
‘We’ll evaluate and choose what to do in the summertime. These transfer discussions will happen later.
‘We’ll see how the season ends after which we’ll determine what to do. There’s no preference in the mean time.
‘It’s still early. What we’re saying today won’t apply tomorrow. Newcastle couldn’t let him go now, and there’s no point in moving, especially since Sandro may be very attached to the club.’
Asked about Tonali’s future on the club, Newcastle boss Howe recently said: ‘The individual that matters probably the most is Sandro. All I’ve ever seen from him is someone who is completely committed,’ Howe said.
‘Very selfless at times, he’s here for the team, not for himself. Forget the noise around him, he’s just fully committed.’
For more stories like this, check our sport page.
Follow Metro Sport for the most recent news on
Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
MORE: Bank ordered to disclose names and addresses of illegal Premier League streaming users to Sky
MORE: Arsenal suffer Julian Alvarez transfer blow with huge offer being prepared
MORE: Liam Rosenior warned that Chelsea tactics ‘don’t suit’ £40m star