Manchester United hold talks to sign £70m midfielder

Did you witness something like a changing of the guard at Manchester United last Sunday?

As Casemiro bid farewell to Old Trafford to a standing ovation en route to helping his team beat Nottingham Forest 3-2, United’s number one target Elliott Anderson was on his side.

If this were an audition for British Michael Carrick & Co., it’s safe to say he passed with flying colors.

As well as registering two assists, Anderson dominated the central areas of the pitch, recording an impressive contribution with 110 touches and 11 defences.

But Manchester City also want him, as United have been told on several occasions. This will not be a simple transfer pursuit.

Manchester United considering replacement player for Anderson

The Forest midfielder is undoubtedly a dream target for the Red Devils this summer, with City reportedly leading the race to sign him.

As a result, Jason Wilcox and his team will have to turn their attention elsewhere. Fortunately, their shortlist is quite a long list. These include Carlos Bareva and Ederson. Both players have reportedly already agreed personal terms for a potential transfer.

Rumors have also surfaced about Real Madrid players Fede Valverde and Aurelien Choameny.

But alongside Anderson, the most expensive name is probably Newcastle United’s Sandro Tonali. Interest in the Italian midfielder became clear several months ago and although enthusiasm has cooled down in recent weeks, reports in Italy have said interest has been revived.

In fact, Juventus-based outlet Tutto Juve have reported that United and Premier League champions Arsenal are considering signing him from St James’ Park.

It has emerged that both clubs have already been “informed” of Newcastle’s financial claims for Tonali’s name and are holding initial talks with interested parties.

The asking price is said to have been set at around £70m, lower than the £100m fee previously reported in the UK press.

Why Tonali is a better deal than Baleva

Much of the discussion around United in recent weeks has revolved around Baleva.

Last summer, the Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder agreed personal terms with the club, which are said to still be in place a year on. He only wants to join Carrick’s men if he leaves Amex behind.

That said, there is understandable caution on United’s side, who may not be as keen on the Cameroonian star as they were when Ruben Amorim was in charge. It has nothing to do with the change of manager, but rather a drop in Baleva’s performance level.

In fact, he appeared to be worth $1 million in the 2024/25 season, but his performance has declined this season, leading to a drop in transfer fees.

That might suit United, but they need a proven product, especially if they are to replace Casemiro.

While Valeva’s numbers are down, Tonali is ahead of him in several key metrics.

However, the Italian international will not be a perfect replacement for the Brazilian. Whether that matters is a debate for another day, but he’s still a great catcher who would fit seamlessly into the midfield alongside Koby Mainu and Bruno Fernandes.

He is not a duel-winning machine like Baleva or Casemiro, but is much more progressive and would definitely suit United’s attack, which likes to get forward with quick transitions.

Tonali has generated 4.46 progressive actions per 90 minutes this season, compared to 2.70 for Valeva. Most of that is due to his death. Newcastle’s star gets the ball and plays forward with more regularity. Tonali completed 3.36 progressive passes per 90 in 2025/26, compared to Baleva’s 1.71.

We also need to consider how long Tonali has been playing at the top level. The player, described by Geordie reporter Joel Brand as “one of the best midfielders in Europe”, has endured the scrutiny of playing for AC Milan, one of Europe’s biggest clubs, and was featured in the Champions League for Newcastle earlier this year.

The Thun star ticks even more boxes in that regard, as Baleva is very inexperienced and United need a proven option to replace Casemiro.