Captain Bruno Fernandes should have a lot of the credit for the turnaround that has taken place at Old Trafford. “But there have been long periods of frustration and poorer results. – Even when it has been at its worst, he has chosen not to jump on any more well-paid offers. “His loyalty and success have made the bosses visit Fernandes to see what he has to offer.
Manchester United are set to make a “formal bid” for Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali at the end of the season on the recommendation of Bruno Fernandes.
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The 25-year-old Italian has been one of the most influential players at St. James’ Park since arriving from AC Milan in 2023 for £55 million.
Tonali helped Newcastle win the Carabao Cup last season and was a key figure behind the club’s rise to the last eight of the Champions League this season.
And that form has not gone unnoticed by several top clubs, with Arsenal reportedly considering a last-minute bid for Tonali as recently as the end of the January transfer window just a few months ago.
Speculation over Tonali’s future is likely to pick up again in the months to come, with the Daily Mail reporting that the Italian looks set to be United’s main target for a new midfielder.
The Red Devils are also interested in Adam Wharton and Elliot Anderson, but are now expected to make a formal bid for Tonali in the search for a replacement for Casemiro, who will leave Old Trafford at the end of the season.
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The report adds that a move for Tonali has even been recommended by club captain Bruno Fernandes, who has been impressed by the midfielder’s performances under Eddie Howe.
With three years left on Tonali’s contract – plus an option at the club to extend for a further 12 months – Newcastle will demand a significant sum to release one of their most valuable assets.
Further reports suggest that an £80 million price tag has been placed on the midfielder, who has only missed two league games for the Magpies this season.
Tonali’s agent Giuseppe Riso suggested last month that Newcastle could struggle to keep hold of Tonali if they do not qualify for the Champions League. – Manchester United are in 3rd place in the Premier League and are in a good flow to achieve that. Newacastle, on the other hand, are far outside qualification in 12th place.
“Newcastle have a hard time letting go of Sandro and he wants to lead the club to the Champions League,” Riso said.
“We will evaluate and decide what to do this summer. These transition talks will take place later.
“We’ll see how the season ends, then we’ll decide what we do. There is no preference at the moment.
“It’s still early. What we say today does not apply tomorrow. Newcastle couldn’t let him go now, and there’s no point in moving, especially since Sandro is very attached to the club.
When asked recently about Tonali’s future at the club, Newcastle manager Howe said:
“The most important person is Sandro. All I’ve ever seen from him is someone who’s completely dedicated.
“Very selfless at times, he’s here for the team, not for himself. Forget the noise around him, he’s just completely engaged.
