Manchester United’s transfer plans are heating up as the club sets its sights on Newcastle United’s Italian midfielder Sandro Tonali for the upcoming summer window. With the 2025-26 Premier League season nearing its conclusion, reports from multiple sources indicate that United is preparing a formal approach to secure Tonali’s signature—making him their top midfield target ahead of other notable names like Elliot Anderson and Adam Wharton.
The Red Devils’ interest in Tonali has been steadily building, and the momentum looks unstoppable. According to Craig Hope of MailOnline, Manchester United will prioritize Tonali over Anderson, who is tipped to join Manchester City, and Wharton, who currently plies his trade at Crystal Palace. The club’s captain, Bruno Fernandes, has even thrown his weight behind the move, reportedly voicing his support for Tonali’s arrival at Old Trafford. As one source put it, “Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes is said to have added his support to an approach for Tonali, so impressed is the Portuguese by his midfield counterpart.”
Tonali, a former AC Milan standout, has been a central figure for Newcastle since his high-profile move to St James’ Park. However, prizing him away from Tyneside won’t be easy. The 25-year-old is under contract with Newcastle for another three years, with the club holding an option to extend for a further 12 months. This puts Newcastle in a commanding position at the negotiating table, and early indications suggest that any deal would require a hefty transfer fee—potentially as high as £100 million (approximately €115 million).
Reports in Italy and England both suggest that Newcastle could demand around €90 million to €115 million for the Italy international, a figure that would likely price out interested Serie A clubs such as Juventus. However, Manchester United’s financial muscle and their near-guaranteed Champions League qualification for next season could make them the most realistic suitor. Newcastle, meanwhile, are languishing in 12th place in the Premier League with just seven games remaining, making a return to European football next season a long shot.
Despite the mounting speculation, Tonali himself has not publicly agitated for a move, nor has he expressed an outright desire to leave Newcastle. However, his agent has reportedly been touting a potential transfer, a development that has not gone unnoticed by Newcastle’s hierarchy. The club is well aware of United’s intent, and while they are not actively looking to sell, they are prepared to consider their options should Tonali indicate a willingness to depart—especially with the lure of a wage increase and Champions League football on offer at Old Trafford.
In an effort to sweeten the deal and potentially reduce the sizeable transfer fee, Manchester United could consider offering players as part of the package. According to Express Sport, three names have been floated as possible makeweights: Luke Shaw, Manuel Ugarte, and Joshua Zirkzee. Shaw, who has enjoyed an unusually injury-free season and has just one year left on his contract, could provide much-needed depth for Newcastle at left-back. Ugarte, the Uruguayan midfielder, has struggled for playing time at United and may be keen for a fresh start, while Zirkzee, who has also found form hard to come by, is expected to leave the club this summer. Such swap deals are not uncommon in modern football and could help United bring down Newcastle’s asking price.
While all eyes are on the potential Tonali saga, Newcastle United is undergoing significant changes both on and off the pitch. The club’s executive leadership, now headed by CEO David Hopkinson and sporting director Ross Wilson, is working to instill a new cultural framework dubbed the ‘Newcastle United Code.’ Introduced in December 2025, this initiative aims to align all departments under core values of “One Club. Excellence. Relentless. Accountable and Integrity.” Hopkinson, who presented his transformation plan to the board and received unanimous approval, is determined to create a “high performance culture” capable of propelling Newcastle back into contention for domestic and European honors. He has told the club’s Fan Advisory Board of his ambition to see Newcastle challenge for the Premier League title by 2030.
On the recruitment front, Newcastle is also looking to the future. The club is in talks with Independiente del Valle regarding 16-year-old Ecuadorian winger Johan Martinez, who is regarded as one of South America’s top young talents. Should a deal be agreed, Martinez would join Newcastle ahead of the 2027-28 campaign when he turns 18. This move is part of a broader strategy to expand the club’s scouting network across Brazil, Colombia, and Ecuador, spearheaded by recently appointed German scout Thomas Federspiel.
In more immediate team news, Newcastle’s highly-rated youngster Lewis Miley has returned to full training following a thigh injury sustained in January. The 19-year-old could be in line for a starting role when Newcastle face Crystal Palace on April 12, a welcome boost for a squad that has struggled with injuries and inconsistency this season. Contract talks are ongoing with Miley, who is seen as a key part of the club’s future. Another rising star, Lewis Hall, is making waves in the England national team camp and is tipped to secure the left-back slot for the Three Lions. Hall’s recent form has drawn praise, and he has spoken openly about his love of cricket and his focus on football, saying, “I always played throughout my childhood, like a lot of my friends did. It’s always been a good social thing for me. Although I’m playing at the level I am now with my football, I’m always the same person.”
Off the pitch, Newcastle is planning minor tweaks to their club crest, with changes expected to be implemented from the start of the 2027-28 season. CEO Hopkinson has assured supporters that the process will involve consultation and will address inconsistencies and symmetry, but will not be rushed.
Despite persistent rumors in football circles about a potential sale of Newcastle United by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), these have been consistently denied by PIF sources and reinforced by the club’s ongoing executive appointments and strategic planning. Hopkinson and PIF continue to reiterate their commitment to the Newcastle project, with tangible actions expected in the form of infrastructure and facility upgrades.
As the Premier League season heads into its final stretch, all eyes will be on the unfolding transfer narrative. Will Manchester United land their top target in Sandro Tonali, or will Newcastle’s resolve—and hefty price tag—see the Italian remain at St James’ Park for another campaign? For now, the story is developing, and both clubs are preparing for what promises to be a pivotal summer in the transfer market.