Manchester United have already qualified for next season’s Champions League and are reportedly making their presence felt in the transfer market even before this summer’s transfer window opens. The club has returned to Europe’s top competition after a two-year hiatus, but the return of continental football after a complete absence last season only further strengthens their prospects for reinforcements.
Midfield will be their main focus and several signings will be needed in that department. Casemiro has been confirmed to be leaving the club, and Manuel Ugarte could also be on his way. There is no shortage of options available within the Premier League and beyond. Here, Express Sport looks at the major headlines surrounding United.
According to Corriere della Sera, Sandro Tonali is set to leave Newcastle this summer. An Italian newspaper claims United are leading the race to sign the midfielder.
Newcastle are hoping for big offers from Premier League clubs, with the Red Devils said to be ahead of their English rivals.
United want to bring Tonali to Old Trafford and the player is said to be open to a move. As an Italian plying his trade abroad, several Serie A clubs have linked him to the boyhood Milan supporter, but Newcastle’s reputation appears to be beyond the reach of clubs like Juventus.
Reports suggest Tonali’s deal would cost well over £70m, with other Italian media claiming the figure could reach £87m.
According to Gazette van Antwerpen, United have shown an interest in Christos Tzoris in recent weeks. Aston Villa and Juventus are also reported to have done the same, but the publication suggests United’s interest is particularly strong.
Both Premier League clubs have made inquiries regarding the Club Brugge player. Tzoris has scored 19 goals and provided 24 assists in 49 games in all competitions, with three games remaining in the Belgian Professional League Champions playoffs.
It is thought to be generally accepted in Brugge that the Greek international will leave this summer. Crystal Palace made a £28m bid 12 months ago, but the club now believe any move would set a new Belgian record.
The current threshold is £34 million, the amount Milan agreed to pay Brugge for Aldon Jashari last summer. They remain adamant about their demand that the Swiss international be paid more than Igor Thiago, and this figure is likely to be the starting point for any negotiations.
