Sandro Tonali: Real Madrid plot to ruin Man United’s transfer plan

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·10 February 2026

Sandro Tonali: Real Madrid plot to ruin Man United’s transfer plan

Manchester United’s plot to sign Sandro Tonali is under serious threat as Real Madrid prepare an offer for the 25-year-old midfielder, according to a report from Italy.

Repairing the engine room

The Red Devils are currently solidifying their plans for the summer transfer window, and a revamp of the midfield is high on the agenda. The engine room has fallen into a state of disrepair under INEOS’s watch, with Manuel Ugarte the only recruit since they took the helm at Old Trafford.

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The Uruguay international has been a major disappointment since arriving from Paris Saint-Germain for £50.5 million in 2024. He has struggled to adapt to the speed of English football, while offering no quality in possession.

An exit to Galatasaray was mooted in January, though concerns over depth led United to rule out the departures of any senior players until the end of the campaign. Ugarte’s future will again be up for discussion when the window opens on 1 July.

Another player who will definitely be leaving is Casemiro, despite the Brazilian behemoth enjoying a resurgence this season. The 33-year-old enforcer’s contract is set to expire, and the club have already decided not to offer a renewal.

Kobbie Mainoo has returned to the starting eleven under Michael Carrick, who replaced Ruben Amorim as caretaker last month. However, Bruno Fernandes, deployed as a deep-lying playmaker under the Portuguese coach, has been reinstated to his rightful position as a no. 10.

At present, this means there will only be one central midfielder in the squad next season who is good enough to start, explaining why INEOS are understood to be targeting two new options.

Shopping in the Premier League

United’s first-choice target is Nottingham Forest maestro Elliot Anderson. Competition is expected to be fierce for the 23-year-old England international, however, with Manchester City leading the race.

Carlos Baleba (Brighton) and Adam Wharton (Crystal Palace) are also high on the club’s radar, with Premier League pedigree considered a vital attribute in the most demanding area of the pitch. However, Tonali – Newcastle United and Italy’s midfield enforcer – has emerged as another frontrunner this week, with the Magpies believed to have set a minimum asking price of £80m.

Arsenal, City and Liverpool are also linked with the former AC Milan star, while Juventus are plotting to bring him back to Serie A. However, Real Madrid are ready to jump the queue as they prepare to table an offer.

Madrid muscle in

As relayed by TEAMtalk, Italian outlet Tutto Juve reveals the Spanish giants are “ready to submit an initial offer exceeding €75 million” for Tonali. Los Blancos see the in-demand midfielder as a “complete player, [with] intensity, playmaking ability, physical strength, and the ability to dictate the pace.”

The report acknowledges Newcastle would “scoff” at a bid in the region of £65m, far short of their talisman’s valuation. However, Madrid’s intention with the hardball offer is to send a “strong signal” to unsettle Tonali, before “thundering back in with a second offer they hope will get the job done.”

It’s an unfortunate truth in football, but when Madrid set their eyes on a player, it usually ends with only one conclusion. However, the last time United locked horns over a high-profile target with the Liga heavyweight, INEOS broke this trend.