Final decision depends on permanent manager and UCL qualification: Romano confirms £100m-valued Tonali on United shortlist

Manchester United have added Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali to their expanding list of summer 2026 targets, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has confirmed.

The Italy international, valued at around £100 million, was first linked with a move to Old Trafford on Sunday when Telegraph reporter Mike McGrath revealed United’s interest. Romano’s latest update adds weight to the story, stating that Tonali is “one they’re monitoring” among several Premier League-proven midfielders.

Tonali’s representatives have recently suggested the 25-year-old could seek a new challenge at the end of the season. A key factor is Champions League football; the player considers continued participation in Europe’s elite competition non-negotiable. Newcastle, currently 12th in the table and 11 points behind fourth-placed United, look unlikely to qualify unless they pull off a remarkable run that culminates in lifting the trophy in May.

United’s hierarchy, led by INEOS, are working to identify Casemiro’s long-term successor. The Brazilian will depart when his contract expires in June after four years at the club. Tonali is the most experienced of the domestic options under review, ahead of Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton (22), Brighton’s Carlos Baleba (22) and Newcastle teammate Elliot Anderson (23).

Baleba had been the preferred target of former manager Ruben Amorim, prompting informal discussions with Brighton prior to the 2025-26 campaign. With Amorim now gone, United’s incoming permanent coach will have final say on both the profile and identity of the club’s next midfield anchor.

“Manchester United have multiple midfielders on their list, and Sandro Tonali is one they’re monitoring,” Romano explained. “Final decisions depend on the permanent manager and UCL qualification. Amorim’s main target was Baleba.”

United’s top-four prospects received a boost at the weekend. After matchweek 25 they sit one point clear of Chelsea and five ahead of Liverpool, who suffered a damaging derby defeat to Manchester City.

The club’s summer rebuild, therefore, remains conditional on two key variables: who takes the managerial reins and whether Champions League status is secured.