This is not the news regular readers of this column will want to hear, much like Alexander Isak and Liverpool last year, but Sandro Tonali and Manchester United has gathered a lot of momentum in recent days.
Indeed, my sources now expect Manchester United to make a formal approach to Newcastle after the season’s end. The Old Trafford club have a midfield shortlist of three ahead of this summer, but Confidential understands Tonali is set to emerge as the main target ahead of Elliot Anderson and Adam Wharton. Anderson is admired greatly but he is likely to join Manchester City.
Interestingly, Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes is said to have added his support to an approach for Tonali, so impressed is the Portuguese by his midfield counterpart.
Newcastle are thought to be aware of Manchester United’s intent and, while Tonali himself has not agitated to leave or expressed an outright desire to do so, the repeated comments of his agent, who has touted a transfer, have been noted.
But with three years to run on the Italian’s contract – plus an option for the club to extend by a further 12 months – Newcastle are in a very strong position when it comes to negotiating any potential fee.
Unlike last year with Isak, there is no longer a void at executive level inside St James’ Park. The handling of Isak’s sale was a disaster and the fallout is still being felt now.
Confidential understands Manchester United will make a formal approach to Newcastle for Sandro Tonali at the end of the season
But Toon skipper Bruno Guimaraes is not on Manchester United’s radar
Rather, sporting director Ross Wilson knows that the club have to trade to move forward and lessons have been learnt from 12 months ago. Should Tonali finally communicate a want to leave – there would likely be a wage hike and Champions League football on offer at Manchester United – then Newcastle would consider what works best for them.
Tonali has been linked with every club from Barcelona to Real Madrid to Arsenal and Manchester City in recent weeks, but my information in the past 48 hours is that Manchester United are moving to the front of the queue. They are not considering a move for Newcastle captain Bruno Guimaraes.
Toon not for sale – but Saudis must act
There has been talk for several weeks now of PIF looking to sell Newcastle, albeit whispers in football circles.
They entered the public domain at the weekend when beIN broadcaster Richard Keys made mention in his column….