Manchester United want to sign Sandro Tonali this summer, despite an impending €50m move for Atalanta’s Ederson.
Journalist Gianluca di Marzio reports that Michael Carrick has made the Newcastle United star an express wish for his first summer transfer window at Old Trafford.
Newcastle exit likely
The Italian journalist explains that Sandro Tonali has a “gentleman’s agreement” in place with Newcastle for this summer. He can leave for a ‘top-tier club’ following their failure to qualify for the Champions League.
The current asking price is around €100m. That has not deterred Manchester United. They have ‘decided to make a move’ for Tonali, regardless of the situation regarding Ederson.
In fact, the Newcastle star is the primary target, the ‘specific player’ that Michael Carrick ‘expressly wants’ to bring to Manchester United.
There is a strong possibility that the deal will go through. Although it remains unclear whether the fee will be €10mm, or €75-80m plus bonuses. It will be a major deal regardless.
Manchester City had also considered signing the Italian, but Tonali would prefer a move to Old Trafford. He believes he would enjoy greater playing time for the Red Devils. He considers this crucial at this stage of his career.
Manchester United closing in
Fellow journalist Nicolo Ceccarini takes things a step further on Tuttomercatoweb. He reports that Manchester United are ‘close to reaching an agreement’ with Newcastle United for Sandro Tonali.
According to his information, Manchester United are at the front of the queue after Juventus stepped away.
The Italian giants had been eyeing a move for the 26-year-old this summer. But they ultimately had to back down in the face of Newcastle’s ‘exorbitant demands’. That’s cleared the path for Manchester United. He makes no mention of the asking price, though.
Either way, Michael Carrick appears to be moving quickly to strengthen his midfield after being appointed as permanent manager this week. Ederson is closing in, and Tonali is now his number one target to join him.
