INEOS Told How to Unlock £90m Midfielder Deal as Alan Shearer Hints at Major Man Utd Transfer Move
Alan Shearer has suggested that Sandro Tonali could become a transfer target for Manchester United this summer if two conditions are met: Newcastle United must be open to selling, and United must miss out on their preferred midfield target, Elliot Anderson. Shearer said United’s interest in Anderson is well known and that Tonali would likely only move if the Italian makes clear he wants to leave St James’ Park. He compared the situation to Anthony Gordon’s future, saying a club may decide to sell if a player wants out and a strong fee is available.
Manchester United are expected to strengthen their midfield heavily in the summer transfer window as they prepare for the demands of Champions League football next season. With Casemiro already gone and Manuel Ugarte available for transfer, the club is believed to want at least two and possibly three new midfielders. Atalanta’s Ederson is tipped to be the first arrival under Michael Carrick, while Anderson remains United’s top Premier League-proven target. However, concerns that Anderson could join Manchester City have pushed United to consider alternatives, including Tonali.
Shearer made clear that Newcastle would not consider letting Tonali leave cheaply. He pointed out that Tonali is under a long-term contract and said any sale would need to bring in a huge fee, possibly around £90 million. He argued that if Newcastle were already commanding large sums for other players, such as a possible £70 million for Gordon or more than £100 million for Anderson, then Tonali would also carry a very high price tag.
Tonali’s future has been the subject of speculation since his agent publicly mentioned the possibility of a move during the final days of the January transfer window, when Arsenal were briefly linked with the midfielder. That transfer never happened, and Arsenal interest has since faded, but reports in Italy have continued to link Tonali with a possible move away from Newcastle. United are now among the clubs being mentioned, although sources suggest the player’s preferred option would still be a return to Serie A.
Juventus and AC Milan have both been associated with Tonali, but his transfer fee could make any deal difficult for Italian clubs as well. United, meanwhile, are preparing for a major summer rebuild, with reports suggesting as many as seven or eight new signings could arrive. The club’s recruitment plan appears focused on adding depth, quality and experience to support a push for success in both the Premier League and Champions League next season.
