Former Manchester United defender Gary Pallister has backed the club to sign Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali this summer, despite fierce competition from Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur. The 26-year-old Italian is expected to leave St James' Park after the Magpies failed to qualify for the Champions League, and he has been valued at £85 million by the club.
Current frontrunners and player preference
Tottenham have already made an opening offer of £75 million for Tonali, which was rejected by Newcastle, but they remain confident of securing a deal for the full asking price. However, reports suggest that Tonali would favour a move to Arsenal, Tottenham's arch-rivals, who have also been heavily linked with the midfielder. Despite this, Pallister believes Manchester United can still win the race.
Pallister's endorsement
Speaking to Metro via Spreadex Sports, Pallister said: 'We don’t know how much money the Manchester United board will give Michael Carrick to spend. Carrick may well have to sell some players before he can start bringing new ones in, but if you want to take this team to the next level, then two or three players are needed especially with Casemiro having already left. He was very important to how Carrick wanted to play last year.'
He added: 'Tonali would be an ideal signing. He’s a player you can see doing well for Manchester United but it will be difficult to prise him away from Newcastle. Arsenal and Tottenham both want him but I have a sneaking suspicion that United could still get it over the line.'
Tonali's Premier League experience
Pallister highlighted Tonali's proven track record in the Premier League as a key asset. 'Tonali is a proven Premier League player and that counts for a lot. We saw that last season when United signed Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, whereas Benjamin Sesko who came across from the Bundesliga still has a lot to prove but he’s learning and getting better.'
United's transfer strategy
Manchester United have already moved quickly to sign Atalanta's Ederson for Carrick, but reports indicate the club are keen to add at least one more central midfielder. West Ham's Mateus Fernandes was high on United's wishlist, but the 21-year-old is also considering a move to Tottenham. Former United striker Michael Owen urged the club to prioritise Fernandes, saying: 'Personally, if I was Michael Carrick, if I were Manchester United, I’d be getting Fernandes from West Ham. I think he’s very good. I think he’s exactly what they need. I could see him and Kobbie Mainoo forming a great partnership in there.'
Pallister concluded: 'I’m sure Michael Carrick will have a wish list that he’s given to the Old Trafford chiefs. It’s a case of what the club can do and which players they can attract and which players they can offload.'
