Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali has emerged as a serious summer transfer target for Manchester United, with the blessing of manager Bruno Fernandes.
Sandro Tonali has emerged as a possible transfer target for Manchester United (Image: Getty)
Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes is said to have backed the signing of Sandro Tonali as Newcastle’s interest in the midfielder continues to grow.
A turbulent summer is approaching for the Red Devils. The Red Devils will make an overhaul of their midfield a priority, as well as appointing a new head coach and strengthening other areas of a revitalized squad under the guidance of interim head coach Michael Carrick.
United are already linked with a number of top midfielders, some of whom are from their Premier League rivals, including Tonali, who made headlines with his blockbuster goal for Italy in Thursday night’s World Cup play-off victory over Northern Ireland.
And the Mail claimed that Fernandes had “added support” to the idea that the club could make a move for Newcastle’s playmaker in the summer transfer window.
read more: Casemiro decides to stay at Man United after agreeing contract termsread more: Luis Enrique moves closer to agreement in major breakthrough in Manchester United manager search
The report adds that Fernandes has been impressed with the 25-year-old since arriving in the Premier League, with Tonali expected to become United’s top midfield target ahead of Nottingham Forest’s Elliott Anderson and Brighton’s Carlos Baleva between now and the summer.
Tonali was linked with a shock move to Arsenal on the final day of the winter transfer window and speculation surrounding his future continues to grow, with other clubs now thought to be interested in the former AC Milan man.
His agent Giuseppe Riso denied suggestions his client had been offered to the Gunners at the time. However, comments he made earlier this month hint that he is hopeful that a positive result at the World Cup with Italy could change things for Tonali.
Bruno Fernandes is said to have supported Tonali’s move (Image: Getty Images)
Let us know what you think. Which central midfielder should Manchester United sign this summer? Comment below.
“That was the goal from the moment he went to England, to try to make him a star player,” Rossi said. “I think he is one of the Italian footballers with the highest values in the world.
“If he shines at the World Cup, will Man City or Arsenal follow him? I don’t know, but it’s very likely.
“Everyone is waiting for the World Cup. After that, a thousand scenarios will unfold, but everything will start after the World Cup.”
United have also been linked with Tonali’s Newcastle teammate Bruno Guimarães (Image: Jean Catuffe/Getty Images)
Some of United’s domestic rivals are also in the market for central midfielders this summer, so competition is likely to be fierce for any of United’s coveted players.
Manchester City are known to be interested in Anderson, who is likely to command a price tag of at least £80m from Nottingham Forest. Brighton asked for more than £100m for Baleva when United inquired about the Cameroon international last summer, but his stock has fallen after a difficult 2025-26 campaign.
Interestingly, United are also said to be interested in Tonali’s Toon Army teammate Bruno Guimarães. Like Tonali, he is also attracting attention and could be vulnerable to a bid if Newcastle fail to qualify for Europe.
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive Mirror Football content every day. Community members also receive special offers, promotions, and advertisements from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can always check out. If you are interested, please read our privacy notice.
England’s 2026 World Cup kit
Various prices
england official store
Buy now from England’s official store
England and Nike have launched new home, away and goalkeeper kits to be worn at this summer’s FIFA World Cup. Use code: ENGFREEDEL to get free shipping on all orders.
