Man Utd handed big Sandro Tonali transfer boost as double deal planned | Football | Sport

Manchester United have received a significant boost in their pursuit of Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali following Juventus’s failure to qualify for the Champions League. United are keen to secure Tonali during the summer transfer window, though they anticipate stiff competition for his services.

Arsenal, Manchester City, Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain are among the other clubs that have been linked with a move for the 26-year-old Italy international. Juventus are another club to have expressed interest in Tonali, but a switch to Turin is now thought to be off the cards after the Old Lady missed out on Champions League qualification.

Luciano Spalletti’s side entered their final fixture against Torino requiring victory and favourable results elsewhere to secure a berth in Europe’s premier competition next season. However, Juventus couldn’t meet their own requirements, as they surrendered a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 with local rivals Torino on Sunday.

The result meant Juventus finished sixth, trailing fifth-placed Milan and Como for the fourth and final Champions League spot, and will consequently compete in the Europa League next season.

With that, Juventus’ hopes of luring Tonali to the club have all but evaporated. Reports emerged last week suggesting Juventus would need Champions League football to entice him back to Italy.

With Juventus now seemingly out of the running, alongside former club AC Milan, United have received a considerable boost in their attempts to push a deal through. The Red Devils can offer Tonali a place in the Champions League and, in all likelihood, a straight run into the starting XI, with Michael Carrick’s side needing to fill the void left by Casemiro.

United are targeting at least two central midfielders this summer, as they manage Casemiro’s departure and the demands of an increased fixture list next season.

Ederson has long been linked with a switch to United, and it appears a deal could be finalised this summer. Negotiations between United and Atalanta are progressing on a potential £43million transfer.

Nottingham Forest’s Elliott Anderson, West Ham’s Mateus Fernandes and Real Madrid’s Aurelien Tchouameni have also been linked with moves to Old Trafford as United seek to bolster their squad.