Manchester United's pursuit of a new midfielder is intensifying after an £80 million bid for Sandro Tonali was rejected, while club legend Gary Neville has urged the club to activate Felix Nmecha's £69 million release clause instead.
£80m Tonali Bid Rejected by Newcastle
Newcastle United have turned down an £80 million proposal for Sandro Tonali, though the bid came from Tottenham Hotspur rather than Manchester United, according to the Mirror. The Magpies value the Italian at £100 million and are unwilling to sell for less, as reported by the Newcastle Chronicle.
Tonali made 35 Premier League appearances last season, contributing two assists but no goals, as Newcastle finished 12th. Despite interest from Manchester City, Arsenal, and Manchester United, it was Tottenham who made the first formal approach.
Newcastle have already sold Anthony Gordon to Barcelona for £70 million, but chief executive David Hopkinson has stated the club will only trade players on "our terms." A potential bidding war could further inflate Tonali's price.
Neville Recommends Nmecha as Cheaper Alternative
Beyond Tonali, United have also shown interest in West Ham's Mateus Fernandes. The 21-year-old Portuguese midfielder impressed during a dismal season for the Hammers, who were relegated from the Premier League. United have made an enquiry but are reluctant to meet West Ham's £80 million valuation.
Speaking on ITV, Gary Neville suggested his former club should consider Dortmund's Felix Nmecha instead. Nmecha, who previously played for Manchester City, has impressed for Germany at the World Cup and reportedly has a £69 million release clause in his contract that becomes active next year.
Neville said: "The more he [Nmecha] plays like he did the other night the more expensive he'll get. But at the moment, we hear Manchester United are being quoted £100 million for the West Ham boy Fernandes. So they're going to have to be looking around this tournament and parts of Europe. He looked outstanding the other night, it looked like he had absolutely everything."
United's Midfield Overhaul
Casemiro's departure has left a significant void in midfield, which is expected to be partially filled by Ederson. However, another signing in that department appears likely. Michael Carrick, who replaced Ruben Amorim in January, guided United to a third-place Premier League finish and Champions League qualification, increasing the pressure to strengthen the squad.
With multiple clubs chasing top midfield targets, United face a competitive summer window as they look to build on their return to Europe's elite competition.
