Manchester United add new name to dream midfielder shortlist after Casemiro announcement | OneFootball

Man Utd are expected to overhaul their midfield in a big way this summer

Manchester United have added Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali to their shortlist ahead of the summer transfer window, according to reports.

A midfield rebuild is expected at Old Trafford at the end of the season with United seeking a replacement for Casemiro after it was announced the Brazilian will leave when his contract expires in June.

The report states, however, that Man United are likely to face strong competition for the Italy international's signature amid links to Arsenal on transfer Deadline Day.

Furthermore, Manchester City are understood to have monitored Tonali's progress, while Juventus have concrete interest in bringing the 25-year-old back to Serie A.

Tonali’s agent, Giuseppe Riso, has recently fuelled speculation of a summer exit from Newcastle by hinting at the importance of Champions League qualification.

“Newcastle are having a hard time letting go of Sandro, and he wants to lead the club to the Champions League,” Riso said, as per the Times. “We’ll evaluate and decide what to do in the summer.

“These transfer discussions will take place later. We’ll see how the season ends and then we’ll decide what to do.

“There’s no preference at the moment.

“It’s still early. What we’re saying today won’t apply tomorrow. Newcastle couldn’t let him go now, and there’s no point in moving, especially since Sandro is very attached to the club.”

Casemiro will leave Manchester United at the end of the season

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Man United’s hopes of qualifying for the Champions League next season were boosted over the weekend as they beat Tottenham and Liverpool lost at home to Man City.

It leaves Michael Carrick’s side with a five-point cushion in fourth, though a top-five finish is expected to be enough for a return to Europe’s premier competition.

That said, the aforementioned report does add that Newcastle would be expected to receive a huge fee for Tonali if they decide to cash in on the midfielder who, during his ban for breaching Italian betting regulations, signed a new contract taking him to 2029 with the option of a further year.

Newcastle signed Tonali for £55million from AC Milan in 2023 and are said to be using fellow central midfielders Enzo Fernandez, Moises Caicedo and Declan Rice - all bought for more than £100m each - as a reference point to make a big profit on the Italian.