Manchester United’s summer midfield rebuild shortlist includes Italian Sandro Tonali from Newcastle.
With the move for Elliot Anderson looking increasingly difficult for Manchester United, alternative top-tier signings are being looked at.
Among those linked is £87m valued Sandro Tonali, a midfielder with the class and quality to represent United in midfield, becoming the new face of this rebuild.
Paul Scholes has endorsed signing Tonali, and now his agent has spoken about the potential exit for his client from the North East this summer.
Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali duelling with Barcelona's Pedri.
Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images
What are your thoughts on Manchester United’s supposed interest in Sandro Tonali?
Where should he rank in comparison to other central midfield targets?
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Sandro Tonali’s agent discusses potential move away from Newcastle
With rumours over his future persisting, Tonali’s agent Beppe Riso has spoken with Calcio E Finanza about a possible summer move.
The interviewer specifically asked about whether Tonali would consider a move to either Man City or Arsenal, to which Riso explained.
“Exactly, that was the goal from the moment he went to England – to try to make him a star player. I think he’s the Italian footballer with one of the highest values in the world.”
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While this doesn’t necessarily state that he will leave, it sounds as though he and Tonali have grander plans for his career.
The idea of this is strengthened by the only reason Tonali joined Newcastle, as explained by his agent.
“The deal came about because a club like Newcastle with unlimited financial resources had decided to invest in Sandro. We considered the idea of having the player play in a higher-level league.”
Tonali leaving Newcastle would spark a race for his signature with plenty of suitors, and this could see United lead the race as a second choice to Anderson.
Which Newcastle player would you want Manchester United to sign the most?💰
United have been linked with Tonali, Gordon, Thiaw, Hall and Guimarães. But which makes most sense?
Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali celebrates scoring against Aston Villa in the FA Cup.
Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images
While United’s priority will be Anderson, given his homegrown status and youth, if Tonali is signed, it wouldn’t be a bad move at all.
Signing Tonali would require Champions League football from United, considering he will want to be playing in Europe’s elite competition.
Right now, Tonali is a top-five midfielder on his day, and he proved his class against United last week.
Tonali is a win-now signing by Ineos, showing intent to push into the title conversation next season. It also fits in perfectly with the Premier League proven recruitment policy that turned out so successful last summer with Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha.
If Ineos brought in Tonali alongside a cheaper midfielder such as Mateus Fernandes or Joao Gomes would leave United in a much better place than this current campaign.
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