Manchester United reportedly aims to sign Tonali as Casemiro's successor, with Anderson likely to miss out! Newcastle demands £100 million

The Daily Telegraph reports that Manchester United has identified Newcastle United’s Sandro Tonali as a candidate for a new midfield signing this summer. The 25-year-old Italian international is regarded as the perfect successor to Casemiro, though his transfer valuation may hit £100 million, with his agent facilitating the transfer.

Last week, Tonali’s agent stated that his player is evaluating his future, which undoubtedly serves as an open invitation to potential suitors. In the Premier League, Arsenal attempted a last-minute winter window move for him but were turned down by Newcastle.

In Italy, Juventus has expressed interest in bringing him back to Serie A, but compared to Premier League clubs, the "Old Lady" lacks appeal.

Both Manchester United and Manchester City are reportedly monitoring Tonali’s situation, as both clubs require a controlling defensive midfielder. They are also competing for Nottingham Forest’s Elliott Anderson.

The 23-year-old Anderson is believed to prefer joining his supported club Manchester City; thus, if the Englishman opts to move to the Etihad Stadium to replace Rodri, Manchester United will have to look elsewhere. Besides the frequently linked Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Walton and Brighton’s Carlos Baleba, Tonali has now also become a rumored target.

Manchester United has confirmed that 33-year-old veteran Casemiro will leave after his contract expires this summer. After three seasons in the Premier League, Tonali has a real chance to become Casemiro’s successor. Although his goal-scoring is not on par with the Brazilian star—he has yet to score this season but has provided five assists—British media report that Manchester United has contacted Tonali’s agent to gauge his situation.

Newcastle signed Tonali from AC Milan in 2023 for £55 million. During his time there, he was suspended for betting illegally on his own team to win. While suspended, he extended his contract with the Magpies until 2029, including a one-year extension option. Newcastle holds the transfer initiative and could make a significant profit if they decide to sell.

Given that midfielders like Enzo Fernandez, Moisés Caicedo, and Declan Rice have transfer fees exceeding £100 million, and Nottingham Forest, Crystal Palace, and Brighton are also asking £100 million for Anderson, Walton, and Baleba respectively, Newcastle is expected to demand a similar price for Tonali.

Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe spoke with Tonali on the winter transfer deadline day, and the Italian ultimately stayed. Howe also mentioned that the player is happy at St James’ Park. However, his future remains a hot topic as other clubs show strong interest.

Last week, Tonali’s agent Giuseppe Riso told Italy’s Tuttosport: “It’s difficult for Newcastle to let Sandro go, and he himself wants to lead the club into the Champions League. We will evaluate and decide what to do in the summer. Discussions about a transfer will happen afterward. We will see how the season ends before making decisions.”

Regarding Tonali’s personal preferences, the agent said: “There is no priority choice. It’s still early; what we say today might change tomorrow. Newcastle cannot let him go now, nor is a transfer necessary, especially since Sandro has a strong emotional bond with the club.”

The Daily Telegraph states that Tonali will play for a Champions League-qualified club next season. Newcastle has reached this season’s Champions League playoffs and will face Qarabag, with a strong chance to reach the last 16, but their chances of winning the title and securing next season’s qualification are slim.

Over the weekend, Newcastle lost 2-3 at home to Brentford, drawing boos from the fans. In the Premier League standings, Newcastle sits 12th, 10 points behind fifth place. To qualify for next season through league position, they will need a miracle in the remaining 13 matches.

This is one of the reasons for Tonali’s dissatisfaction. In contrast, Manchester United has been on an upward trajectory recently, already 5 points ahead of teams outside the Champions League spots and getting closer to returning to European competitions.