Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonaliplaceholder image
Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali | Getty Images
Man United have been linked to Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali ahead of the summer transfer window.
One of Man United’s biggest priorities right now is to find a replacement for Casemiro. The Brazilian midfielder’s contract is due to expire at the end of the season, and United don’t plan to extend his deal at Old Trafford.
Tonali reportedly wants Champions League football, and seeing as Newcastle are currently ninth, they may not be able to offer it to him. Manchester United are reportedly the front-runners to land him as things stand.
Man United eyeing Bruno Guimaraes instead
Despite all the links between Man United and Tonali, fresh reports indicate that the Red Devils may go after one of his teammates instead. According to Reuters, Man United are in advanced talks to sign Bruno Guimaraes from Newcastle rather than Tonali.
The report says that Newcastle’s elimination from the Champions League has paved the way for Guimaraes to exit, and United are already in talks ahead of the summer. However, it is understood that Real Madrid is keen on Guimaraes too, which could complicate any potential deal for the Red Devils.
This season, the Brazil international has made 35 appearances in all competitions for Newcastle, scoring nine goals and providing seven assists. He has been a key player for Eddie Howe and is currently the Newcastle captain.
Man City were previously linked to signing Guimaraes too, so if United were able to make a move and sign him, it could be a real kick in the teeth for their cross-Manchester rivals. Guimaraes is expected to cost around £69m in the summer, which would make him cheaper than Tonali, too.
Which other midfielders are Man United looking at?
In terms of other options to replace Casemiro other than Tonali and Guimaraes, United remain interested in Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson. The England international is expected to cost around £100m in the summer, unless Forest suffer relegation to the Championship.
However, the biggest issue with regards to Anderson is that Man City remain interested in him too, and could make a move to sign the Forest star ahead of Man United, as they are looking to sign a long-term replacement for Rodri.
They placed a £100m plus price tag on him, much like when they sold Moises Caicedo to Chelsea, and so United backed out. However, it is understood that the Red Devils remain interested in Baleba, and they could make a move for him this summer.
Seeing as the 21-year-old has struggled for form a bit more this season, his price may have dropped slightly, but even so, United should expect to fork out a lot of money if they want to land the Brighton star.
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