Manchester United are planning to make a summer transfer move to sign Sandro Tonali from Newcastle United, according to reports in the Telegraph.
United's top priority in the summer transfer window will be a new central midfielder, after it was confirmed that Casemiro would be leaving the club at the end of the season.
The Brazilian has spent four seasons at Old Trafford, but will depart the club at the end of his contract this summer, not signing a new deal to remain with the Red Devils.
United were going to be in the market for a midfielder come what may, but confirmation of Casemiro's departure will only heighten that need.
Three Other Midfielders Linked With Summer Move To Manchester United
Carlos Baleba during a Brighton & Hove Albion pre-match warm-up
They have been linked with a number of high-profile candidates, with Brighton's Carlos Baleba, Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton and Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson high on the wishlist. All three are expected to command fees of at least £100million to sign.
And that is likely to be the case for Tonali too.
The Italian was linked with an extraordinary move away from St James' Park on deadline day last week, with reports emerging that Arsenal wanted to complete a late deal. Rumours of a deal being done were quickly quashed, although quotes from Tonali's agent have done little to quell Magpies' fans fears that he could soon be on his way out of the club.
Sandro Tonali's Agent Speaks Out On Transfer Links
sandro tonali
Giuseppe Riso said: "Newcastle are having a hard time letting go of Sandro, and he wants to lead the club to the Champions League,” Riso told Tuttosport. “We’ll evaluate and decide what to do in the summer. These transfer discussions will take place later. We’ll see how the season ends and then we’ll decide what to do.
"There’s no preference at the moment. It’s still early. What we’re saying today won’t apply tomorrow. Newcastle couldn’t let him go now, and there’s no point in moving, especially since Sandro is very attached to the club."
Tonali and Casemiro are very similar players, although the Italian does not have the goalscoring power that the Brazilian possesses. Tonali was a hugely important player for former Italy national team boss Luciano Spalletti, who said last season: "Sandro Tonali is immense for what he is doing. It is incredible, the game can last as long as he wants for him."
United will face competition from Serie A and the likes of Arsenal and Chelsea in the Premier League to sign him in the summer, but United have placed him high on their shortlist of transfer priorities.
Sandro Tonali To Manchester United Is A No-Brainer
Sandro Tonali
At 25 years of age, Tonali has the perfect mix of youth and experience. He is slightly older than Wharton, Baleba and Anderson, but, having played for AC Milan and won the Serie A title, and with 30 international appearances under his belt, he has significantly more big-game experience and would slot into a bigger club mentality easier than the other three, who would be making the step up from so-called smaller clubs.
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