Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali would “prefer to move” to Man Utd this summer, but on one condition, according to reports.
Football Fancast claim that the Italian international is leaning towards choosing the Red Devils. However, Michael Carrick’s side must secure Champions League qualification for the transfer to happen.
5th Place is expected to be enough this season to play in next campaign’s top European competition, and United have given themselves a great chance of finishing in the top 5 due to their recent form.
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Carrick’s men are seven points ahead of Chelsea, who currently sit in sixth with seven games left to go.
Tonali does have other suitors
Manchester City and Arsenal are also believed to be keen on recruiting the 25-year-old, but both clubs appear to have other priorities.
The Cityzens are currently favourites to land Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson, and it is not certain that Pep Guardiola’s team would have the requisite funds for two midfielders who could cost a combined £200m.
Arsenal, meanwhile, have wrestling with PSR problems. Without sales, they will not have the money to match Newcastle’s asking price for Tonali, which is expected to be north of £100m.
Despite interest from the likes of Juventus, a return to Italy is not considered realistic due to the costs involved.
Are Man Utd preparing a bid?
The Athletic have recently contradicted claims made by the Daily Mail reporter Craig Hope who suggested that Newcastle are anticipating a formal approach from the Red Devils at the end of the season.
Journalist James Horncastle says that the Manchester club are looking at cheaper alternatives to Tonali, but a lot still depends on whether they can sell the likes of Marcus Rashford, Andre Onana and others.
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