Sandro Tonali has reportedly been given the green light by Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes, paving the way for a potential summer transfer. The Red Devils are on the lookout for midfield reinforcements in the summer transfer window, with Michael Carrick’s side on course to finish inside the Champions League positions.
Tonali had attracted attention from Arsenal late in the January transfer window, and while nothing materialised, the Italian midfielder continues to be linked with a move away from St. James’ Park. Newcastle look all but certain to miss out on Champions League football next season, which could spell danger for keeping hold of their top talents.
It’s reported by the Daily Mail that United are expected to make a formal approach for the former AC Milan man, while captain Fernandes is said to be behind the move as well. The report also states that Tonali is expected to be United’s leading candidate heading into the summer, ahead of alternatives like Adam Wharton and Elliot Anderson.
Newcastle are aware of United’s interest and have braced themselves for an approach, but remain confident of landing a hefty fee, given Tonali has three years left on his current deal. The club also boast an option to extend for a further 12 months, giving them a strong negotiating position.
It’s suggested by talkSPORT that a fee in the region of £80million and £100m could be enough to tempt Newcastle into a sale, while securing the services of the 25-year-old. Newcastle paid £52m for Tonali three years ago, so would therefore be banking a hefty chunk of profit.
The potential move will likely get tongues wagging among the United fanbase, not least ex-Stretford End fan favourite, Paul Scholes, who claimed the Italy international was ‘better than Declan Rice’. Speaking on The Overlap earlier this season, he said: “I love Sandro Tonali as well. He’s been brilliant. Very good. I would probably choose Tonali at this point.”
When pressed on his choice, Scholes added: “Yes, you’re going to say Declan Rice, but I think he’s better than Rice. I really like Rice, don’t get me wrong, I think he’s got everything.
“Sometimes he takes a few too many touches of the ball and tries to look a bit more stylish than necessary. He can do everything but I just don’t think he does it enough. I prefer Tonali but they’re both good players.”