- Manchester United is interested in Newcastle midfielder
- Could fetch up to £100 million
- Has played 47 times for Newcastle this season
Manchester United have reportedly set their sights on Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali as a potential replacement for Casemiro.
The Italian has been a standout this season, featuring in 47 matches across all competitions and contributing 10 goals as Newcastle made the round of 16 in the Champions League.
The move, however, comes with a note of caution. Tonali has faced disciplinary issues relating to betting in the past. In October 2023, he received a 10-month ban for breaching Italian betting regulations.
Despite the controversy, Tonali remains highly regarded. The Italian midfielder could fetch up to £100 million this summer, with a number of clubs pursuing him.
Could Tonali be the Casemiro replacement?
With Manchester United’s five-time Champions League-winning midfielder leaving the club on 30 June when his contract runs out, United have to sort out a replacement, and fast.
Many names have cropped up on United’s shortlist. Carlos Baleba, Adam Wharton, Hugo Larsson, and Elliot Anderson, just to name a few.
Sully of centredevils have confirmed that United have “held talks” with Sandro Tonali’s representatives via an intermediary as the club assesses options ahead of the summer window.
Tonali is reportedly open to the move, but his priority is to finish the season at Newcastle first. But United are not the only club pursuing the Italian.
Manchester City are reportedly ready to position themselves firmly in the hunt for Tonali as they prepare to overhaul their midfield with a blockbuster Premier League deal. The Cityzens have also expressed interest in Anderson, one of United’s other shortlisted signings.
Is Tonali unhappy?
There have also been reports that Newcastle’s star midfielder has been unhappy in the north-east of England. Eddie Howe, Newcastle’s manager, was quick to shut these claims down, stating:
“Sandro’s very happy here. He’s got a great relationship with me and his teammates and he seems really, really, happy within himself. If I knew where everything [rumours] came from I’d be wiser. But Sandro is absolutely fine. I had discussions with him yesterday. His focus is on the here and now with us.”
Despite this, Howe also admitted that he is “not in control” of the Italian’s future. There are 78 days until the transfer window opens on 15 June, and we could see a bidding war between the two Manchester sides.
