Manchester United are linked with a move for Newcastle and Italy star Sando Tonali as they aim to strengthen their midfield this summer.
Newcastle’s Italian midfielder Sandro Tonali is rumored to be moving to Manchester United (Image: UEFA via Getty Images)
Newcastle chief executive David Hopkinson has admitted the club needs to remain open as Sandro Tonali continues his relationship with Manchester United. Several midfielders have been linked with a summer move to Old Trafford, with a number of players in those positions expected to leave the M16.
The Red Devils will need reinforcements as Casemiro’s contract expires at the end of June and Manuel Ugarte’s future at Old Trafford faces uncertainty as he struggles. Alongside Tonali, other names mentioned include Nottingham Forest star Elliott Anderson, Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton and Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleva.
Our colleagues at ChronicleLive report that Newcastle are cool about Tonali’s future at St James’ Park. The 25-year-old’s contract runs until 2029, with an option for a further year.
However, when the club’s financial results for last year were announced, Hopkinson pointed to last summer’s sale of Alexander Isak to Liverpool as an example of how the Magpies can sell their best players for the right price.
Follow Man United’s FB page! Keep up with the latest United news and more on our dedicated Facebook page
“We don’t have an overall strategy regarding player departures (transfers). We are thinking thoroughly about what the players want to do or not do this summer,” he said.
“But if a scenario like Isak’s occurs again, the players who are under contract will leave on our terms and we will maximize the opportunity for the club. That will definitely be the case (meaning extracting the maximum price).”
Sandro Tonali continues to be the subject of speculation (Image: PA)
“For me, Isak was a good sale (in terms of earning a British record fee). I didn’t come here for the Isak situation so I don’t want to comment on something I haven’t seen firsthand. What I know is that any player who leaves this club needs to leave on our terms.”
United’s rivals Manchester City are also reportedly interested in Tonali. Meanwhile, a source from Premier League leaders Arsenal admitted that the Italian player has not been on the radar.
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.
Newcastle are understood to be unhappy that the player’s agent, Giuseppe Rizzo, has publicly discussed his client’s possible departure. The agent pointed to this summer’s World Cup final as a chance for Tonali to be in the shop window, but Italy need to beat Bosnia and Herzegovina in the play-offs on Tuesday night to qualify.
Speaking previously to Italian media about the former AC Milan star, he said: “If he shines at the World Cup, will City or Arsenal follow him?
“I don’t know, but it’s very likely. Everyone is waiting for the World Cup. After that, thousands of scenarios will unfold, but it will all start after the World Cup.”
United have also been linked with Tonali’s Newcastle teammate Bruno Guimarães. However, it is reported that the Italian international is still a top target over the Brazilian international.
