Manchester United could be preparing for a major midfield rebuild this summer, with Newcastle United’s Sandro Tonali currently linked with a move to Old Trafford.
According to Italian outlet TuttoMercatoWeb, United are close to completing a deal for the 26-year-old, while a deal for Atalanta midfielder Ederson is also said to be finalized, as reported by Sky Sports.
According to the newspaper, Juventus are also interested in Tonali, but the Italian giants are not currently in a position to meet the player’s financial demands.
Man United therefore appear to be in a stronger position, especially as they look to reshape their midfield for next season.
It would be a huge statement if Manchester United could actually achieve that. Tonali is more than just a midfielder.
Sandro Tonali has impressed at Newcastle United
He is a proven Italian player in the Premier League and is highly regarded by Newcastle fans for his intensity, intelligence and work-rate.
He has had a mixed period in England, but when he is available and gets into a rhythm he brings control, aggression and quality possession.
For United, this interest is understandable. Their midfield is clearly undergoing a reset.
Casemiro has left, Manuel Ugarte’s future is in big doubt and Michael Carrick wants a fresher, more dynamic engine room.
United are also working on a deal for Ederson, with Sky Sports reporting that Atalanta are seeking around £45m for the Brazilian midfielder.
If United were to sign both Ederson and Tonali, it would completely change the look of their midfield.
Ederson will bring power, pressing and ball-winning ability, while Tonali will bring passing range, tempo control and Premier League experience.
On paper, that sounds like a much better balance than what United have achieved in recent seasons.
However, this is not an easy deal. Newcastle are unlikely to let Tonali go on the cheap.
According to some reports, he could cost around £80 million or more, which would be a huge transfer fee, especially when United have already spent so much on Ederson.
Manchester United are ready to strengthen their midfield
The Sun also reported that United are confident of a double midfield swap involving Tonali and Ederson, with Carrick keen to rebuild around a stronger midfield core.
The Juventus angle is also interesting. It would make emotional and stylistic sense for Tonali to return to Italy, but if Juve are unable to match them financially, United may feel they have a clear chance.
However, Newcastle are still in the strongest hands as Tonali remains an important player for them.
Adam Wharton and Bournemouth’s Tyler Adams and Alex Scott, as well as Lille’s Ayoub Bouadi and Olympiakos’ Christos Mousakitis, are on Manchester United’s midfield target list for the summer season.
Source: Man United eyeing £70m full-back, but Chelsea also in the race
