Man United expected to make 'formal approach' to sign £100m Newcastle star as transfer gathers momentum

Michael Carrick will hope that the job he’s done at Man United is enough to land the permanent manager role. He has been able to transform United and get them into the Champions League places, playing a more traditional four at the back system.

The Red Devils have been linked with signing several world class midfielders ahead of the summer, as Carrick will need to find his replacement for Casemiro, who is due to leave as his contract expires in June.

Man United have been linked to the likes of Carlos Baleba, Elliot Anderson and Adam Wharton, but it seems like they have picked a Newcastle star instead...

Man United set to make ‘formal approach’ for Tonali

Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali wasn’t mentioned for Man United until more recently, but momentum has been building between United and Tonali, and it is understood that he is now the Red Devils’ first choice centre-midfield option heading into the summer.

According to Daily Mail Journalist Craig Hope, Man United are expected to make a ‘formal approach’ for Tonali as soon as the season ends, hoping they can tempt the midfielder to come to Old Trafford, with the lure of Champions League football.

Hope reports that Newcastle are in a strong negotiating position, as Tonali is contracted for a further three years at St James’ Park. Reports in the past have said that Newcastle are likely to demand more than £100m, much like the Alexander Isak to Liverpool deal last summer.

Tonali’s agent has made it clear that he wants to play Champions League football next year, so the Italian international could be looking at Man United as a way into the competition, and a step towards more domestic success, as Carrick looks to build a title-winning squad.

Man United also keen on Tonali’s teammate

In recent weeks, reports emerged which suggested that Man United are interested in Newcastle midfielder Bruno Guimaraes. The Brazil international is understood to be very happy at St James’ Park, but if United can offer Champions League football, it may be able to tempt him to come to Old Trafford.

Guimaraes would be a replacement for Casemiro, who is due to leave in the summer because his contract is set to expire. Transfer Journalist Fabrizio Romano said last week that United have already met with the midfielder.

However, it seems as though Tonali is the first choice, and it is very unlikely that Man United would go after both Tonali and Guimaraes, and even less likely that Newcastle would sanction the sale of both to the same club.

Tonali reportedly wants Champions League football, and is understood to be on the radar of Chelsea, Man United, Arsenal and Man City heading into the summer.

For your next Man United read: "Deals almost done" - Fabrizio Romano names the two players Man United are set to sign ahead of the summer.