Manchester United v Tottenham Hotspur - Premier League
Bruno Fernandes has recommended one player to Manchester United (Picture: Getty)
Manchester United are set to make a ‘formal approach’ to sign Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali at the end of the season, according to reports.
The 25-year-old Italian has been one of the most influential players at St James’ Park since his arrival from AC Milan in 2023 for £55milion.
Tonali helped Newcastle win the Carabao Cup last season and was a key figure behind the club’s journey to the last-16 of the Champions League this campaign.
And that form has not gone unnoticed by several top clubs, with Arsenal reportedly sounding out a last-minute bid for Tonali at the end of January transfer window only a few months ago.
Speculation over Tonali’s future is likely to ramp up once again in the coming months, with the Daily Mail reporting that the Italian is set to become United’s top target for a new central midfielder.
The Red Devils are also interested in Adam Wharton and Elliot Anderson, but are now expected to make a formal approach for Tonali as they hunt for a replacement for Casemiro, who will leave Old Trafford at the end of this season.
The report adds that a move for Tonali has even been endorsed by club captain Bruno Fernandes, who has been impressed by the midfielder’s performances under Eddie Howe.
Your football fix
Metro's Head of Sport James Goldman delivers punchy analysis, transfer talk and his take on the week's biggest stories direct to your inbox every week.
Sign up here, it's an open goal.
Mandatory Credit: Photo by News Images/NurPhoto/Shutterstock (16747943t) Sandro Tonali of Newcastle United participates in the UEFA Champions League Last 16 match between Newcastle United and Barcelona at St. James's Park in Newcastle, United Kingdom, on March 10, 2026. Newcastle United FC v FC Barcelona - UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Round of 16 First Leg, United Kingdom - 10 Mar 2026
Sandro Tonali is wanted by Manchester United (Picture: Shutterstock)
With three years left on Tonali’s contract – plus a club option to extend by a further 12 months – Newcastle will demand a sizeable fee to let go of one of their prized assets.
Additional reports suggest that a price tag of £80m has been slapped on the midfielder, who has missed just two league matches all season for the Magpies.
Speaking last month, Tonali’s agent Giuseppe Riso hinted that Newcastle may find it hard to keep hold of Tonali should they fail to qualify for the Champions League.
Bournemouth v Manchester United - Premier League
United are on the hunt for a replacement for Casemiro (Picture: Getty)
‘Newcastle are having a hard time letting go of Sandro, and he wants to lead the club to the Champions League,’ Riso said
‘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.’
Asked about Tonali’s future at the club, Newcastle boss Howe recently said: ‘The person that matters the most is Sandro. All I’ve ever seen from him is someone who is totally committed,’ Howe said.
‘Very selfless at times, he’s here for the team, not for himself. Forget the noise around him, he’s just fully committed.’
For more stories like this, check our sport page.
Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook,Twitter and Instagram.
MORE: Bank ordered to reveal names and addresses of illegal Premier League streaming users to Sky
MORE: Arsenal suffer Julian Alvarez transfer blow with huge offer being prepared
MORE: Liam Rosenior warned that Chelsea tactics ‘don’t suit’ £40m star
Football Newsletter – In The Mixer
Punchy analysis, transfer talk and more from Metro's football experts, sent straight to your inbox every week.