Manchester United are reportedly eyeing Sandro Tonali as they hunt midfield reinforcements, with Bruno Fernandes said to back the potential £80-100m summer transfer
11:19, 27 Mar 2026
Sandro Tonali
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Sandro Tonali could be a Red Devil in the summer(Image: Bruce White/Colorsport/Shutterstock)
Sandro Tonali has reportedly received the backing of Manchester United skipper Bruno Fernandes, clearing the path for a potential summer switch.
The Red Devils are seeking midfield reinforcements in the summer, with Michael Carrick's team positioned to secure a Champions League spot. Tonali caught Arsenal's eye towards the end of the January transfer window, and the Italian midfielder remains linked with a departure.
Newcastle appear almost certain to miss out on Champions League qualification next season, which could pose a threat to retaining their star players.
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Sandro Tonali is being linked with a move to Man Utd(Image: Getty)
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The Daily Mail reports that United are anticipated to lodge a formal bid for the ex-AC Milan player, with captain Fernandes also understood to support the pursuit.
The report further suggests that Tonali is expected to be United's primary target going into the summer, ahead of other options like Adam Wharton and Elliot Anderson.
Newcastle are conscious of United's pursuit and have prepared themselves for an approach, but remain optimistic of commanding a substantial fee, considering Tonali has three years remaining on his existing contract.
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Sandro Tonali has plenty of interest ahead of the summer transfer window(Image: Getty)
The club also possess an option to extend for another 12 months, providing them with a strong bargaining position, reports the Express.
It's reported by talkSPORT that a sum between £80million and £100m might be sufficient to persuade Newcastle into a sale, while landing the services of the 25 year old. Newcastle splashed out £52m for Tonali three years ago, so would consequently be pocketing a substantial profit.
The prospective transfer will probably set tongues wagging amongst the United supporters, not least former Stretford End favourite, Paul Scholes, who declared the Italy international was 'better than Declan Rice'.
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Speaking on The Overlap earlier this season, he said: "I love Sandro Tonali as well. He's been brilliant. Very good. I would probably choose Tonali at this point."
When pushed on his preference, Scholes added: "Yes, you're going to say Declan Rice, but I think he's better than Rice. I really like Rice, don't get me wrong, I think he's got everything.
"Sometimes he takes a few too many touches of the ball and tries to look a bit more stylish than necessary. He can do everything but I just don't think he does it enough. I prefer Tonali but they're both good players."