- Manchester United learn Sandro Tonali valuation
- Newcastle United asking for hefty fee
- Italian is one of many midfield targets
Manchester United have been handed a clear message from St James’ Park to meet their valuation or forget about Sandro Tonali. Newcastle United want the future of the Italian midfielder resolved early in the summer as part of their plan to overhaul the club’s ageing squad.
They are adamant that the player trading model “has to change” with the mantra “buying well and selling well”, but will not sell below their valuation.
For Manchester United, that figure should end any serious interest before it even begins. With multiple midfield targets on the board, including Elliot Anderson, Carlos Baleba and Amadou Onana, committing nine figures to a player who has never expressed a desire to leave and who will turn 26 next month makes little financial sense.
The door has been opened for Manchester United, Arsenal and Manchester City, but any deal must be on Newcastle’s terms, with early interest declared. United have other priorities and better value elsewhere.
Manchester United Told Tonali Price
Newcastle’s difficult financial situation means they will likely have to sanction the sale of one of their most valuable assets in the summer. The division’s new rules over squad cost ratio (SCR) calculations mean clubs will be limited to spending 70 per cent of their revenue, and outgoings will be near essential for the Magpies.
As iPaper Sport’s Mark Douglas claims, Newcastle ‘will have to consider’ parting ways with the likes of Tonali, Anthony Gordon or Tino Livramento.
Any prospective pursuit of the 25-year-old could be initiated as soon as the term draws to a close. Italy’s failure to qualify for the World Cup means Tonali will be keen for a swift resolution over his future before pre-season begins.
Champions League qualification is said to be essential for him, with his contract at St James’ Park running until 2029. But if United miss out on Europe, which is unlikely at this stage, the appeal diminishes further.
United Should look Elsewhere
Tonali has never expressed a desire to leave and will stay and knuckle down if no deal is met, according to sources. That hardly sounds like a player agitating for a move.
A sale would free up significant squad cost headroom for Newcastle to fund their summer recruitment, but United should not be the club to provide that lifeline at £100m.
The Reds have Casemiro leaving and need two midfielders. Spending smartly on Anderson and Baleba would transform the engine room. Another option is to get Amadou Onana in the mix without breaking the bank on a single overpriced target. Walk away now.
