- Man Utd eyeing Sandro Tonali
- Italian midfielder ‘wants out’ of Newcastle United
- Elliot Anderson remains the top target
Manchester United‘s chances of signing Sandro Tonali have just improved following comments from Alex Crook. The Newcastle United midfielder is on the Red Devils’ list of midfield targets ahead of the summer transfer window.
Tonali has been a mainstay in the Newcastle team this season, featuring 53 times across competitions, scoring three goals and providing seven assists. He is one of Eddie Howe’s most important players and played a crucial role in helping the Magpies make the Champions League last season.
The Magpies’ dissapointing season has raised doubts over Tonali’s future. He has just over two years left on his contract but is said to want out of St James’ Park.
READ: Latest Manchester United news and updates
FOLLOW: Read Man Utd on Facebook, Instagram and X
Man Utd handed Sandro Tonali boost
Tonali joined Newcastle from AC Milan in the summer of 2023 for £55m. When he made the move to Tyneside, it became clear he hadn’t wanted to leave his boyhood club and was devastated.
A potential return to Italy appears to be off the cards due to the financial implications of signing him. But he could make the switch to Old Trafford.
Crook said on talkSPORT:
“He [Sandro Tonali] wants out of Newcastle he’s wanted out since January, that’s why we had that story come out on Transfer deadline day that he’d been offered to Arsenal. “He is one of the names on United’s list. I think he’d be cheaper than many of those names on their list, certainly cheaper than Elliot Anderson. It remains to be seen what happens with that one.”
United’s priority is to replace Casemiro this summer, and, as Crook mentioned, Tonali and Elliot Anderson are among many names on the club’s shortlist. There is an expectation that at least two new midfielders will arrive, and possibly a third if financially feasible.
Time for Tonali?
Tonali ticks plenty of boxes for United and has proven to be one of the most complete midfielders in the Premier League. His ability on the ball, impressive engine room and ball retention are all traits that could take Michael Carrick’s midfield to the next level.
With Anderson seemingly preferring a move to Manchester City, Tonali is the perfect alternative. His potential acquisition would allow INEOS to further strengthen, with Mateus Fernandes and Carlos Baleba also on their radar.
Newcastle’s financial situation means they are likely to offload at least one or two star players. Anthony Gordon is already headed for Bayern Munich and the Magpies might be reluctant to keep an unhappy player in Tonali.
