Manchester United are interested in a big-money alternative to Elliot Anderson ahead of the summer transfer window, according to Fabrizio Romano.
Man United are so close to securing Champions League football now that club chiefs can begin to work towards their transfer shortlist put together on the basis that they would be returning to Europe’s elite club competition.
Heading into the weekend’s fixtures, the Red Devils are 11 points ahead of sixth-placed Brighton and Hove Albion, knowing that securing a top-five finish will be enough to secure their Champions League spot.
United may have even secured it before they even kick off against Liverpool on Sunday afternoon, if Brighton and Hove Albion and Bournemouth fail to register wins against Newcastle United and Crystal Palace respectively beforehand.
It’s no secret that one key area United’s recruitment team are particularly keen to strengthen is in central midfield, with Casemiro leaving at the end of the season when his contract expires, and Manuel Ugarte likely to follow him with Sir Jim Ratcliffe keen to cash in on the Uruguayan.
Casemiro leaves a big void to fill alongside Kobbie Mainoo, with United looking to bring in at least two new players in the position in the close season.
Romano: Man United Keen on Sandro Tonali
Manchester United’s interest in Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali surfaced earlier in 2026, but some reports recently suggested that their interest in him may be cooling ahead of the summer window.
Romano has issued a fresh update on the Italy international via his YouTube channel, following suggestions that he would prefer to move back to Serie A rather than staying in England, with the journalist refuting that suggestion and confirming the interest of both United and City in the midfielder.
He believes that a return to Serie A for Tonali in 2026 is ‘absolutely impossible’ because Newcastle would ask for big money ‘around €90m, €100m or €110m.’
He added:
“My understanding is that Sandro Tonali would like to continue in Premier League. Sandro Tonali is happy at the highest level possible, in terms of league.
“There is interest from Manchester United. There is interest from Manchester City. So for sure, both Manchester clubs are following the Tonali situation, and for sure he’s going to be one of the names of the summer to follow.
“We have to understand what happens with Newcastle. What kind of price tag there will be for Sandro Tonali. At the moment, Manchester City are pushing for Elliot Anderson. I maintain that name, but Tonali is another name they have on the shortlist along with Manchester United.
“They wait to understand how expensive the package will be for Sandro Tonali, because they believe, as they did one year ago, that it could be too expensive, but the appreciation from both Manchester clubs remains.”
Man United Face Sandro Tonali Decision
United are clearly keen to add a midfielder with Premier League experience to their squad this summer, but the issue they are going to have is the asking price for these players.
Romano has confirmed that Newcastle could demand up to £95m for Tonali, who Paul Scholes believes is ‘better than Declan Rice’.
Separate reports suggest that Nottingham Forest value United’s top central midfield target Elliot Anderson at £120m.
Adam Wharton of Crystal Palace and Brighton’s Carlos Baleba could set United back big numbers too, which leaves them considering their options and if they look abroad instead.
For example, reports suggest that Real Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni could be available for around £70m if the La Liga giants did decide to sell the France international this summer.
The Red Devils are said to be in pole position to sign Sporting Lisbon captain Morten Hjulmand, who could be purchased for £43m.