Manchester United are leading the race to sign Sandro Tonali, with reports in Italy saying the club has moved early in the market ahead of the summer window. The Newcastle United midfielder is on the market and, with United already assured of next season's Champions League, the timing has strengthened their hand.
Corriere della Sera said United are ahead of other English clubs in the chase for Tonali, while also noting that the Italy international is not closing the door on a move to Old Trafford. Newcastle are expected to receive a substantial Premier League bid, and the asking price is likely to put the transfer well above £70million, with some Italian outlets valuing him as high as £87m.
That price point matters because Juventus are already viewed as priced out of the move, even as Serie A clubs continue to show interest. Tonali, a lifelong Milan supporter, spent a year in England after leaving AC Milan and is now being linked with a return to Italy only if the numbers make sense for Newcastle and any buyer willing to strike first.
For United, the chase fits a broader summer plan that has midfield at its center. Casemiro's departure is confirmed and Manuel Ugarte could also leave, leaving room for a rebuild after the club ended its two-year absence from the Champions League. The club has also expressed interest in Christos Tzolis in recent weeks, underlining that the recruitment drive is already moving in more than one direction.
Tzolis has drawn attention from Aston Villa and Juventus as well, and two Premier League sides are said to have made enquiries. The Club Brugge forward has 19 goals and 24 assists in 49 appearances in all competitions, and Brugge want any sale to set a Belgian record fee. The current benchmark is £34m, the sum Milan agreed to pay Brugge for Ardon Jashari last summer, while a year ago Crystal Palace tabled £28m for Tzolis.
For now, the Tonali pursuit is the sharper signal. United are making moves early, Newcastle are open to selling, and the midfielder is not ruling them out. If the bidding climbs to the level now being discussed, this transfer will be decided by which club is willing to go the farthest, fastest.
