Manchester United have made their stance clear ahead of the summer transfer window. They are looking to reconstruct their midfield, as they have been linked with several high-profile players in recent weeks, but Newcastle’s Sandro Tonali now appears to be out of the picture.
The Athletic reports that the Red Devils will move their interest away from signing the Italian as the deal would be too costly for the club.
United are set for another busy summer, after they spent £200 million on forwards last year, but a deal for Tonali would take up a giant part of their initial budget, which could open the door to alternative options for Michael Carrick’s side.
Tonali Pursuit Off?
The midfield maestro moved to St James’ Park in 2023, after winning the Serie A with the team he grew up supporting, AC Milan. While he missed a lot of action immediately due to betting breaches, he has quickly settled down in the North East and become a star under Eddie Howe.
Tonali has formed a fine midfield trio alongside Joelinton and Magpies’ captain Bruno Guimaraes, which has quickly become one of the best midfield setups in the Premier League.
That said, this season has been a disaster for Howe’s side, with them currently sitting outside the top 10 and unlikely to secure a European spot. There were reportedly attempts to bring him to Old Trafford last summer, though no move materialised.
Earlier this week, Fabrizio Romano reported that Tonali is looking to compete in the Champions League, something Newcastle are unlikely to offer next season.
Newcastle aren’t willing to let him go easily, as other key players at St James’ Park have been linked with moves away this summer. It could take around £100m to sign the former AC Milan star.
The Red Devils are looking to attract the type of profile Tonali offers to Manchester this summer. But for such an expensive fee, their best chances may lie outside of Tyneside.
United Midfield Options
Tonali hasn’t been the only high-calibre midfielder linked to Old Trafford this summer, and he isn’t the only one who has played for Newcastle.
Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson is reportedly appreciated by the higher-ups at the club, and it’s easy to see why, given his consistent performances for Forest. But there is competition for the 23-year-old’s signature, as rivals Manchester City are also sounding out a possible move for the England representative.
There have also been rumours around Tonali’s current teammate, Bruno Guimaraes, though recent links have been dismissed, with his agent seemingly unaware of any move.
With Casemiro playing his final few games at the club, the Red Devils know they need a sufficient replacement as the Champions League beckons.
While Tonali’s price may be too high, United must identify the right figure to anchor their midfield as they prepare for a crucial summer window.
