Newcastle United have reportedly set their sights on a shock move for Manchester United wantaway Manuel Ugarte, according to Football Insider.
As a result, the Red Devils may look to use the Magpies’ interest to their advantage by proposing a swap deal for Sandro Tonali.
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Could Ugarte make the switch to St. James’ Park this summer?
Of course, Newcastle will value the Italian international considerably higher than United do Ugarte, but there’s still an opportunity for discussions to be had.
Appearances Starts Unused Minutes played
21 7 10 791
(Ugarte’s 2025/2026 Premier League record)
Even if the out-of-favour Red hasn’t overseen the most exhilarating campaign, there’s clearly a player in there somewhere that prompted Paris Saint-Germain to spend £50.1 million on him and, in United’s case, £50.5 million (£42m upfront).
What’s more, Ugarte has only just turned 25, and is a mainstay for the Uruguay national team, having already earned 35 caps.
Why the Magpies might be powerless when it comes to Tonali’s exit
Newcastle don’t want to facilitate Tonali’s exit by any means. However, there is an acceptance behind the scenes that he’s likely to push – if not force – a move if they don’t qualify for the Champions League.
🔺 NEW: Sandro Tonali’s agent has revealed that the player is considering leaving Newcastle United in the summer and may need Champions League football to tempt him to stay at St James’ Park.
Read the details ⬇️https://t.co/5yOmwSEJKz
— Times Sport (@TimesSport) February 6, 2026
Financial woes also mean the Tyneside outfit are going to have to consider parting ways with some of their most valuable assets.
Given they want to keep hold of their skipper and talisman Bruno Guimaraes, it leaves Tonali, Anthony Gordon and Tino Livramento as members of the squad who could be sacrificed to balance the books.
United’s pursuit of the former AC Milan star could, realistically, get underway as soon as the season ends, as Italy’s play-off final defeat means he is in for a quiet summer of watching the World Cup from home like the rest of us.
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MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - MARCH 02: A general view as a fan of Manchester United holds up a half and half match day scarf outside the stadium prior to the Emirates FA Cup Fifth Round match between Manchester United and Fulham at Old Trafford on March 02, 2025 in Manchester, England.
LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 11: Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal, reacts during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Bournemouth at Emirates Stadium on April 11, 2026 in London, England.
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