- Man Utd eye Sandro Tonali
- Alan Shearer thinks Newcastle might sell
- Italian could cost £100m
Alan Shearer has explained why Newcastle United might admit defeat and sell Sandro Tonali to Manchester United this summer. The Magpies legend feels his former club might have to bite the bullet.
Tonali is one of many midfielders on the Red Devils’ shortlist. The Italian seems open to leaving St James’ Club after Eddie Howe’s side failed to qualify for Europe.
Newcastle have already sold one of their star players, with Anthony Gordon joining Barcelona in a £69m deal. They now look to be fighting to keep Tonali on Tyneside.
Shearer on Tonali’s Man Utd links
Manchester United are interested in Tonali and he’s one of several candidates to replace Casemiro. He’s impressed throughout his time in the Premier League.
This season, Tonali managed three goals and seven assists in 53 games across competitions. He joined Newcastle from AC Milan in the summer of 2023 for £55m and has two years left on his contract.
Shearer gave his verdict on Tonali potentially joining United. He told Chronicle Live:
“Tonali, on the going to Man Utd rumours, I guess it all depends on if Man Utd get Elliot Anderson. Elliot Anderson would be their number one target, both City and Man United, that wouldn’t be a surprise to me.”
Shearer pointed out Gordon’s move to Barca:
“Very much like the [Anthony] Gordon situation, if he makes it clear that he wants to leave, then you have to say, okay, we accept that, we get the best possible price for you and move on. I would like to see him stay at Newcastle, because I think there’s a real talent there, and I think he links really well with Bruno, but I don’t know his or the club’s situation.”
Tonali is likely just behind Elliot Anderson and Aurelien Tchouameni on United’s list of Casemiro replacements. A move for Anderson is now ruled out as he is expected to join Manchester City, while Real Madrid are showing no sign of wanting to part with Tchouameni.
Tonali asking price an issue
The issue United have in trying to sign Tonali is the finances involved in a potential deal. Newcastle are reportedly demanding £100m for the Italian, per The i Paper.
That fee would break the Reds’ transfer record and take a massive chunk out of the club’s transfer budget. The midfielder is undoubtedly a top talent who could prove to be an incredible Casemiro replacement.
United need to decide whether they are willing to spend such a large sum on one player or make several additions. They are closing in on a deal for Ederson worth around £38m.
