Manchester United pursue £87m Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali
Manchester United have been given the opportunity to sign Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali this summer in a deal reportedly worth £87m.
The Old Trafford club are prioritising midfield reinforcements ahead of the upcoming transfer window.
Veteran Brazilian Casemiro will depart when his contract expires, while Manuel Ugarte is expected to be sold to generate essential transfer funds.
Interim boss Michael Carrick has reportedly agreed terms to become permanent manager and wants two additions in the centre of the pitch.
Magpies forced into summer sales
Newcastle are under mounting pressure to sell key personnel to comply with the Premier League’s strict financial regulations.
A lack of Champions League revenue next season means the Tyneside outfit must balance their books before reinvesting in their squad.
The Italian international had previously been considered too expensive by the Red Devils hierarchy.
However, recent reports in Italy indicate the 26-year-old has now been placed on the market by his current employers to ease their financial constraints.
Alternative targets and legends’ praise
Nottingham Forest standout Elliot Anderson remains the primary target for the Manchester club.
Securing the highly-rated prospect will prove difficult, with Forest demanding a fee in excess of £100m amid rival interest from Manchester City.
A move for the former AC Milan playmaker could therefore provide a viable and slightly cheaper alternative for Carrick’s side.
Former United midfielder Paul Scholes recently endorsed the combative star’s abilities.
“He is the best midfielder in the Premier League, better than Declan Rice.”
Other notable departures from St James’ Park could include Anthony Gordon and Tino Livramento as Newcastle prepare for a challenging summer rebuild.
