Man United can complete major Sandro Tonali transfer after Newcastle star's admission

Manchester United have an exciting summer transfer window ahead of them as they prepare for the return of the Champions League

Manchester United gave Casemiro a fitting Old Trafford send off on Sunday afternoon as the Reds' season effectively ended against Nottingham Forest. The 3-2 victory over Vitor Pereira's men ensured third place with a game to spare. Next week's trip to Brighton is fitting as United are firmly on the beach.

But no sooner will the dust have settled on the 2025/26 season and Casemiro's contributions for United, the inevitable search for his replacement will ramp up. Both clubs and players alike will be keen to get on with transfers this summer considering the World Cup.

Leaving deals until after the tournament risks inflating price tags and other teams poaching top targets. Of course, there is a solution to this. United could always target players who are not going to the World Cup and if they did, one man stands out among a sea of players.

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Sandro Tonali finds himself in a difficult position. Following his ban for breaching Italian betting regulations, he was supported unconditionally by Newcastle as he spent ten months away from the pitch. That support bred loyalty from the Italy international but the goal posts have since moved. While Newcastle did reach the knockout stages of the Champions League, this season has been an unmitigated disaster.

Eddie Howe has split the opinion of the fanbase as Newcastle stutter towards a mid-table finish. While they can technically still qualify for Europe, the Conference League is scant consolation. Alexander Isak's departure to Liverpool last summer set their demise in motion.

Anthony Gordon is expected to join Bayern Munich this summer and there is little evidence to suggest Newcastle can rebuild. So it leaves Tonali weighing up the loyalty he has shown.

Last November, Tonali was asked about his future and his response was telling. "This is a tough question because, you know, [in] football you need to think year for year," he said.

"I don't want to say I want to stay here 10 years and in two years, three years, four years [or] five years I will go." Tonali added: "The last summer was tough for us, for Alex [Isak], but this is football.

"If you have an option for your life, for another team you need to think about everything. I don't want to say: 'Yes, I want to stay here 10 years', but now I'm happy here. I don't think anything about another team."

While he may not have thought about other teams then, the end of the season will bring his future into sharp focus. According to reports in Italy, Tonali is up for sale and United are one of the teams interested.

In some ways, Tonali and Casemiro are similar players. They are both happy to get on the ball and pick out a pass but while Casemiro is more combative, Tonali favours carrying the ball up the pitch.

So while not quite a like-for-like replacement for Casemiro, Tonali would certainly strengthen the midfield. United can also offer the 26-year-old the Champions League football he wants and deserves.

Newcastle will put up a fight to keep Tonali, especially considering Gordon seems to be on his way out. But their negotiating position is weak and the Reds should take full advantage.

Howe's club will be haunted by Isak's exit for years to come so if United want to sign Tonali, they will need to act fast. The Reds hold all the cards in the summer transfer window though and after last year's scrimping and saving, United should be able to attract an even higher quality of player this time around.

Every indication suggests Tonali is someone United could lure in. He would be a marquee signing for the Reds as they look to breathe new life into the midfield.

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