Manchester United have ended their interest in Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano. The decision comes after the club deemed the asking price for the Italian international to be too high, despite Tonali being a preferred target for manager Michael Carrick.
United had initially been pursuing Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest, but pulled out of that deal when Forest demanded a minimum of £120 million in guaranteed payments. This led to a focus on Tonali, who was reportedly valued around £100 million by Newcastle, with a significant wage package also required. Romano stated that United believe Tonali is now “too expensive.”
The situation is complicated by differing opinions within the club hierarchy. While INEOS, the new minority shareholders, initially prioritized Anderson, Carrick favoured Tonali as a midfield addition. Ultimately, the club’s financial concerns prevailed, leading to the abandonment of both pursuits. Recent reports indicated that Tonali was also frustrated with his situation at Newcastle and open to a return to Serie A with AC Milan.
United are now shifting their focus to West Ham’s Mateus Fernandes, with the club preparing an official bid for the Portuguese midfielder. Fernandes is reportedly keen on a move to Old Trafford, despite interest from other European giants like Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid. United completed a deal for Atalanta midfielder Ederson earlier in the window and still intend to add at least one more player to that position. The club’s pursuit of midfield reinforcements signals a clear intent to strengthen that area of the pitch ahead of the new season.
