Manchester United’s midfield hunt is heating up during an £80m pursuit, while Gary Neville has urged Michael Carrick to go after a cheaper alternative to a primary target
Manchester United’s attention has shifted to the summer transfer market following a third-place finish in the Premier League.
Michael Carrick’s squad will receive reinforcements as United gear up for a campaign competing across multiple competitions. Having succeeded Ruben Amorim in January, Carrick guided United back into the Champions League, creating additional pressure on the existing squad. This will require fresh signings.
Casemiro’s exit creates a significant void in midfield that Ederson is expected to partly address, but another recruit in that department seems probable. Newcastle star Sandro Tonali is one name that has reportedly captured the club’s attention. An offer is now believed to have been turned down for the Italian, though it wasn’t United who made the approach. Here’s all the latest news from Old Trafford.
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Sandro Tonali bid
Newcastle midfielder Tonali looks destined for a busy summer and despite United reportedly being among those chasing his signature, it is Tottenham who have submitted an £80million proposal, reports the Mirror.
This approach has been promptly dismissed by Newcastle, according to the Newcastle Chronicle, as they rate their star at £100m. The Magpies are, nevertheless, apparently willing to part with Tonali.
Manchester City and Arsenal are understood to be keen, alongside United, but it is Spurs who have taken the lead with an initial bid.
The Italian midfielder made 35 appearances last season in the Premier League, contributing two assists but failing to score, as Newcastle finished 12th.
The Magpies have already sold Anthony Gordon to Barcelona for £70m, but the club’s chief executive, David Hopkinson, has made it clear they will only trade players on “our terms”.
The current market might also work in Newcastle’s favour, if a bidding war ensues, given the valuations of midfielders elsewhere.
Midfield alternatives
Beyond Tonali, West Ham star Mateus Fernandes is another name being touted for a switch to United. The Portuguese midfielder provided rare moments of brilliance during a dismal campaign for the Hammers as they dropped out of the Premier League.
Reports indicate United have tabled an enquiry for 21-year-old Fernandes but are reluctant to meet West Ham’s £80m valuation. Several other clubs are also believed to be pursuing Fernandes.
United icon Gary Neville believes his former club should consider an alternative if the asking price remains unchanged, and he has spotlighted Germany star Felix Nmecha.
Nmecha previously played for Manchester City and has impressed for Germany at the World Cup. The Dortmund midfielder allegedly possesses a £69m release clause in his deal that kicks in next year.
Speaking on ITV, Neville said: “The more he [Nmecha] plays like he did the other night the more expensive he’ll get. But at the moment, we hear Manchester United are being quoted £100m for the West Ham boy Fernandes.
“So they’re going to have to be looking around this tournament and parts of Europe. He looked outstanding the other night, it looked like he had absolutely everything.”