Newcastle United have denied reports that Manchester United transfer target Sandro Tonali has a gentleman’s agreement to leave St James’ Park in the summer if Eddie Howe’s side fail to qualify for Europe.
It’s going to be a long summer of transfer speculation.
Manchester United plan to invest heavily in the first team and decide on their head coach for the forthcoming campaign.
With a replacement for Casemiro at the top of the agenda and plans to revamp the midfield, Thursday night saw Sandro Tonali emerge as a top target ahead of the summer transfer window.
It was reported that Tonali has a gentleman’s agreement with Newcastle, which could make a switch to Old Trafford feasible as speculation mounts.
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Newcastle United deny Sandro Tonali gentleman’s agreement
With games still to play in the Premier League, Newcastle will want everyone to know that they’ve got everything under control.
That certainly isn’t the case for Eddie Howe, with doubts likely to emerge over his future if the Magpies fail to qualify for Europe. Newcastle are currently sitting 12th in the Premier League. The idea of losing a key player like Tonali will be enough to send their fans into overdrive.
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It wasn’t long after news emerged that United were expected to make a formal approach for Tonali at the end of the season that Newcastle briefed against claims of a gentleman’s agreement with Tonali.
An exclusive from the Shields Gazette revealed details of an agreement for Tonali to leave St James’ Park at the end of the season, should Newcastle fail to qualify for Europe.
Luke Edwards from The Telegraph has shared Newcastle’s line on the matter, denying those claims.
The Newcastle correspondent wrote: “Newcastle United official has communicated to media tonight that there is no gentleman’s agreement Sandro Tonali can leave this summer if club do not qualify for Europe.
“That does not mean he won’t leave but he hasn’t said he wants to go and neither has there been any contact with #nufc from interested clubs at this stage.”
Edwards added: “It’s only March but yet another week of stories linking Newcastle players with a move. Going to be a long summer.”
Newcastle fans will hope it’s not a repeat of the Alexander Isak situation when the club saved face before selling the striker.
It remains to be seen how much money Newcastle will demand for Tonali in the summer, if United come knocking with a formal offer.
It goes without saying that Tonali would be a huge upgrade on Manuel Ugarte, with Casemiro’s exit announced since January.
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Sandro Tonali eyes big summer away from potential transfer
After Tonali’s heroics for Italy against Northern Ireland on Thursday night, Italy will face Bosnia and Herzegovina in a play-off final for a place at the 2026 World Cup.
Tonali will be hoping to feature at the World Cup as well as complete a big move away from Newcastle.
United need to be mindful of this as they may need to try to secure his signature before the World Cup kicks off.
Otherwise, they risk allowing more clubs to show an interest in him at the World Cup.
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