Manchester United are only just getting started in what is set to be a busy summer transfer window after Champions League qualification was secured
Michael Carrick will oversee his first transfer window as permanent Manchester United boss.
Manchester United are off to a quick start in Michael Carrick's first transfer window as permanent boss(Image: Steven Paston/PA Wire.)
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Manchester United are looking to bolster their midfield this summer and the acquisition of Newcastle star Sandro Tonali could prove pivotal.
Michael Carrick recently signed a two-year contract to become the new permanent head coach following a superb interim stint at Old Trafford. He is now focusing on transforming United into a side capable of challenging for the Premier League and the Champions League.
Crucial to that is United's engine room with Casemiro departing Old Trafford this summer. The club have already admitted defeat in the race for Elliot Anderson this summer, but have made significant progress in securing long-term target Ederson from Atalanta, while West Ham's Matheus Fernandes has been linked.
Yet, reports in Italy suggest that Tonali is "on his way" to United, with the club said to be ready to stump up around £87million to sign the Newcastle midfielder. The United hierarchy are said to be undeterred by the steep price tag that's been slapped on the ex-Milan star.
Tonali joined Newcastle for £55m in July 2023. He is under contract at St James' Park until the summer of 2029 and has an option to extend the deal by a further 12 months.
According to FotMob, the Italian ranks high in successful passes and dribbling this season. He has also made an eye-catching 147 ball recoveries, notable in a subpar campaign when Newcastle have often had their backs to the wall.
Sandro Tonali has been linked with a move to Manchester United
Sandro Tonali has been linked with a move to Manchester United(Image: Getty Images)
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Tonali has 10 goals in 110 appearances for the Magpies, playing mainly centrally or deeper as the team's anchor. He would also bring a wealth of Premier League experience to Carrick's midfield, a major asset for any incoming signing.
The player's agent, Giuseppe Riso, has been vocal over a potential exit for Tonali this year, claiming his client's future can wait until after the World Cup.
However, with Italy failing to qualify, Tonali should face little delay regarding his future. United moved quickly to sign Matheus Cunha last summer and should look to lock the 26-year-old into a deal before the pandemonium of the summer window really kicks into gear.
It remains to be seen how Anthony Gordon's £69.3m move to Barcelona will impact Newcastle's resolve, with the Magpies having also lost star asset Alexander Isak to Liverpool last summer. Newcastle boss Eddie Howe recently claimed the club will have a strong say in the future of their prized players.
Ederson of Atalanta dribbles during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Knockout Play-off First Leg match between Borussia Dortmund and Atalanta
Manchester United are closing in on a deal for Atalanta midfielder Ederson(Image: Getty Images)
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He said: "We were in a more vulnerable position than we are now. Ross [Wilson, football executive at Newcastle] has filled that position and is showing really good leadership dealing with transfers and all the things that entails. We are in a stronger position now to navigate those waters in a much calmer, clearer way."
Tonali could arrive after the signing of Atalanta's Brazilian international Ederson. The midfielder was left out of the Serie A side's final game of the season to protect him from injury amid United's interest.
United are understood to be closing in on a move, with a package worth up to £38m. Ederson is not expected to be a direct replacement for Casemiro but is set to leapfrog Manuel Ugarte in the pecking order with the former PSG star available for transfer this summer.
United's midfield ambitions do not end there. They hope to make another statement signing for the position, with Tonali looking like a major possibility.