Man United are targeting a Newcastle star this summer.placeholder image
Man United are targeting a Newcastle star this summer. | Getty Images
Could Manchester United and Newcastle engage in a shock swap deal this summer?
Manchester United are targeting a return to the Champions League under Michael Carrick after making a strong start under their new head coach at Old Trafford.
United are not in the FA Cup fourth round after they were dumped out 2-1 at the third-round stage by Brighton & Hove Albion under interim boss Darren Fletcher. They are out of action this weekend, with ample time to prepare for their next Premier League fixture away at Everton on February 23.
Carrick’s side soon then travel to St. James’ Park to face Newcastle United on March 4. Amidst recent links with a key Magpies star, the Red Devils could use that evening to help put into motion a stunning transfer plan behind the scenes.
Man United will have severe transfer competition for Sandro Tonali
Man United are believed to be targeting upgrades to their midfield next summer, with multiple big-money arrivals expected following the announcement that Casemiro will depart at the end of the campaign.
One such player who has been heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford is Sandro Tonali. The 25-year-old is one of the most highly-coveted midfielders in Europe at present and as such, Newcastle may demand up to £100million for the Italian. United are not his only suitors, either, as Arsenal were linked with a stunning swoop on Deadline Day and the likes of Real Madrid, Manchester City and Juventus are also cited to be considering a move.
If United qualify for the Champions League this season and Newcastle do not, the 20-time top-flight champions will fancy their chances of luring Tonali to secure a big-money transfer away as he enters the prime years of his career. As one of the most dynamic and effective midfielders in the division, he deserves the opportunity to compete for the top honours. In order to sweeten the deal and bring down the Magpies’ massive demands, United could propose a swap deal to secure his services.
United could use midfield ace in swap deal for Tonali
If United opt to look for alternative methods to get ahead of the competition in the race for Tonali’s signature, they may decide to offer Newcastle the services of Manuel Ugarte as part of a transfer for Tonali in a player-plus-cash swap deal.
Ugarte is currently out of favour under Carrick, just as he was for much of Ruben Amorim’s reign, and it is not believed that the 24-year-old has a massive future at Old Trafford. Shock reports in January suggested that United were considering offering the Uruguayan in a swap deal for Sunderland’s Noah Sadiki, and the Red Devils may opt for a similar tactic this summer in order to secure the signature of Tonali.
Defensive midfielder Ugarte cost a huge £51m including add-ons when he was signed from Paris-Saint Germain in summer 2024, and it is fair to say that he has failed to deliver on expectations - he has even been called a “wet blanket” by critics. While his market value will have dropped significantly since then – as low as £26m according to Transfermarkt – the club may look to cash in now while they still can, using the Uruguay international to bring down the asking price for Tonali to a more manageable figure.
From Newcastle’s perspective, Ugarte may not replace all of Tonali’s influence but would certainly add depth and steel to the Magpies midfield, and could be viewed as a valuable addition for Eddie Howe’s side as they look to compete across multiple competitions.
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