Manchester United have identified Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali as a leading candidate to replace Casemiro ahead of the summer transfer window.
The Red Devils are preparing for a midfield overhaul as Casemiro’s time at Old Trafford approaches its conclusion, with the Brazilian set to depart when his contract expires at the end of June.
United’s recruitment team are already drawing up a shortlist of potential replacements, and Tonali has emerged as one of the standout names under consideration.
The Italian’s future at Newcastle United is far from certain amid the club’s underwhelming Premier League campaign.
Eddie Howe’s side currently sit 12th in the table with 33 points, 10 adrift of the Champions League places, and may now need to win the competition itself to secure qualification for next season.
That uncertainty has fuelled speculation around key players, with Tonali’s agent, Giuseppe Riso, recently talking up the possibility of a summer exit.
The Telegraph reports that United have placed the 25-year-old high on their shortlist as they plan for life after Casemiro, although competition for his signature may be stiff with Arsenal also in the mix.
Newcastle signed Tonali from AC Milan for £55 million in 2023, and the Magpies are unlikely to entertain offers below the £100 million mark, making any potential deal a complex one.
With the midfielder also keen on guaranteed Champions League football, United’s qualification ambitions could prove to be a decisive factor in their pursuit of the Italian.
Whether a move materialises remains to be seen, but Tonali’s situation is one United will be monitoring closely as the summer window approaches.
