Sandro Tonali to Man Utd twist after ‘late phone call’ to hijack transfer | Football | Sport

Manchester United’s intention to recruit a midfielder this summer is practically football’s worst-kept secret at this stage; the question remains which target they pursue. The market offers no shortage of quality midfielders, some potentially contemplating their next move, others less inclined.

They are set to come with a high transfer fee, but United have finally made progress with their recruitment strategy and must demonstrate that last summer wasn’t an anomaly. Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo have proven to be outstanding acquisitions. Benjamin Sesko is undoubtedly beginning to fulfil his potential.

The aforementioned pair were secured, partly, due to their Premier League pedigree and established credentials in the top division. They were also representing clubs beyond the top six, rendering them considerably more accessible than, for instance, a midfielder at a direct competitor.

Adhering to the identical recruitment blueprint directs Manchester officials towards the calibre of Adam Wharton or Elliot Anderson.

Wharton at Crystal Palace has continued to flourish at Selhurst Park, becoming an FA Cup champion with the Eagles, who have consistently seen their finest talent seek fresh opportunities elsewhere.

Nottingham Forest’s Anderson is another Englishman expected to feature at the World Cup who has excelled. He departed Newcastle for the City Ground with the Magpies lamenting their choice to release him ever since his exit.

Eddie Howe hasn’t hesitated to criticise the PSR framework, which he believed necessitated the transfer. Anderson is expected to to leave, with United, alongside neighbours Manchester City and his previous club Newcastle, all pursuing him.

The Magpies themselves may well be seeking to replace one of their current talents in Sandro Tonali, who features on the shopping lists of both Arsenal and Real Madrid, as well as United, following his impressive performances.

The Spanish heavyweights had scouts in attendance on Saturday evening to watch Tonali firsthand, whilst Tonali’s agent was reportedly present for Arsenal’s midweek victory at Brighton.

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Manchester United‘s pursuit of Tonali is far from recent: the Italian was the target of a late transfer push from the former Old Trafford hierarchy back in 2020.

He was set to leave Brescia at the time, but by the time Manchester United made contact to attempt to derail a transfer, Tonali was already on the verge of a switch.

He signed for AC Milan just weeks afterwards.

Reports in Italy claim that United placed a call to try and hijack a move, but were too late, with the deal too advanced. The senior officials in Manchester at the time may have since departed, but if Tonali is to be available, then the Red Devils’ interest is long-established.

Tonali, similar to Anderson and Wharton, would not be a bargain. While Anderson and Wharton may depart their current clubs this summer, Newcastle will likely mount a robust defence to retain Tonali, particularly if they secure another Champions League place.

United have been discreetly advised to pursue Tonali’s midfield colleague, Bruno Guimaraes. Casemiro, who is due to leave Old Trafford this summer upon the expiry of his contract, has personally endorsed Guimaraes as his successor at United, having shared national team duties with him for Brazil.

Ruben Amorim implored the club’s hierarchy to allow him to strengthen his midfield, but his request was denied prior to his dismissal. He invested heavily in his attacking line, resulting in a budget surplus after £200m was splashed on Mbeumo, Cunha and Sesko.

Their revival under Michael Carrick has put their Champions League aspirations firmly within their control, which would bolster their attempts to attract marquee signings and also expand their budget.