Manchester United are trying to poke their noses in front of other clubs in the race for Sandro Tonali this summer.
According to MailSport, the Red Devils are ‘moving to the front of the queue’ amid the coveted star being linked with the likes of Arsenal, Barcelona, Manchester City and Real Madrid.
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Sandro Tonali: The state of play
Tonali, hailed as the ‘best midfielder in the country’ by Italian journalists last year, still has three years remaining on his deal with Newcastle United, who would then also have the option of extending his stay by an additional 12 months.
However, it’s thought the 25-year-old would pursue a move as early as this year if Newcastle fail to qualify for the Champions League come May.
🔺 NEW: Sandro Tonali’s agent has revealed that the player is considering leaving Newcastle United in the summer and may need Champions League football to tempt him to stay at St James’ Park.
Read the details ⬇️https://t.co/5yOmwSEJKz
— Times Sport (@TimesSport) February 6, 2026
As things stand, they sit 12th-placed in the Premier League following a gutting home derby defeat to Sunderland prior to the international break.
United, on the other hand, are third, meaning they are now one of the major favourites to rubber-stamp their spot in next season’s UCL campaign.
They have set their sights on Tonali due to the impending departure of Casemiro in June.
Mail’s report adds that skipper Bruno Fernandes has personally voiced his support over a potential acquisition of the former AC Milan ace, who’d be playing behind him and alongside Kobbie Mainoo for the foreseeable future at Old Trafford, should anything materialise.
How a move for Tonali could be made easier for United
Speculation has also suggested that there is something of a gentleman’s agreement in the player’s terms that would allow him to leave in a straightforward sale if the Magpies finish outside of the European places, as per Shields Gazette.
That would undoubtedly make negotiations for personal terms considerably easier for United, although Newcastle will still be in a place to demand a pricey fee – after also doing so in talks for Alexander Isak last summer.
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