Manchester United are set to make a formal approach to Newcastle United at the end of the season over a deal to sign midfielder Sandro Tonali, according to the Daily Mail.
Man United's summer transfer plans are well underway and their budget could be boosted if the club qualifies for the Champions League.
The Red Devils are currently on course to do that under caretaker manager Michael Carrick, despite being held to a 2-2 draw by Bournemouth on Friday night.
The disappointing result was followed by losses for Liverpool and Chelsea, which leaves United six and seven points above the Reds and Blues respectively in the Premier League table.
With seven matches left to play, United have it all in their own hands and a cushion to work with, as they look to return to Europe's elite club competition for the first time since they were knocked out in 2023.
A top-five finish is expected to guarantee Champions League football for 2026-27, so all of Liverpool, Chelsea and Aston Villa would need to finish above them for them to miss out.
Tonali Emerging as Man Utd's Main Midfield Target
Sandro Tonali
The midfield is a key area for United's recruitment team this summer, with at least two new faces wanted in that position, according to GIVEMESPORT sources.
The summer exit of Casemiro has heightened the need to strengthen an already weak part of the squad, and now Newcastle star Tonali is emerging at the very top of the club's transfer shortlist with a move 'gathering momentum' in recent days, according to the Daily Mail.
United had made a three-man midfield shortlist consisting of Tonali, Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson and Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton, but now a formal approach is expected for the Italian at the end of the season.
Anderson has been a big target for the Red Devils, but he is expected to leave the City Ground and join Manchester City instead.
Bruno Fernandes Supports Tonali Transfer
Bruno Fernandes in Premier League action for Manchester United
The report adds that captain Bruno Fernandes has thrown his support behind a move for Tonali, given how impressed he has been by his midfield counterpart.
Tonali has three years left on his contract, with the option of a further 12 months, so Newcastle are in a strong negotiating position, with previous claims that the 'superstar' Italy international could cost £100m.
Paul Scholes claimed earlier this season that Tonali is 'the best midfielder in the Premier League' and that he is 'better than Declan Rice' at Arsenal.