Manchester United have reportedly planned an ambitious move for Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali during the summer transfer window.
The Italy international has recovered from an extremely difficult start to his Magpies career, which saw him banned for 10 months just weeks after joining due to illegal gambling offences.
However, Tonali is now one of the first names on the team sheet for Eddie Howe, who witnessed the former AC Milan lynchpin score the opening goal in Sunday's 2-0 Premier League win over Chelsea.
Tonali has now found the back of the net on six occasions in all competitions this season, including two goals in the EFL Cup en route to helping Newcastle win their first trophy in almost 70 years.
The 25-year-old's long-term future has often been called into question, though, and a return to Italy with Juventus has often been mooted, albeit one that is unlikely to materialise in the upcoming window.
Man United 'plot extraordinary move' for Tonali
© Imago
Instead, Corriere dello Sport - via TEAMTalk - claims that Man United could instead try to pull off an 'extraordinary' deal for Tonali this summer, as Ruben Amorim prepares for a possible midfield overhaul.
The report claims that the Red Devils are seen as the 'big new contenders' for the former Brescia starlet, and they could be willing to part ways with as much as £85m to prise him away from St James' Park.
However, Man United will have to win the Europa League to stand any chance of pulling off a deal, as they will not be playing on the continent next season should they lose to Tottenham Hotspur in the showpiece match.
On the other hand, Europa League glory and a spot in the Champions League would significantly boost Man United's coffers, but Juventus are intending to provide stiff competition, even if they cannot compete financially.
Tonali boasts seven goals and three assists in 55 games for Newcastle across all competitions, and the Magpies have him under contract until the end of the 2027-28 season.
The state of play with Man United's midfielders
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The Italy international would be expected to fill Casemiro's boots at Old Trafford should he join Man United this summer, as the ex-Real Madrid man's departure was seen as inevitable earlier this season.
However, Casemiro has now enjoyed an unexpected revival under Amorim in the past few weeks, and the Brazilian is now likely to at least see out the final year of his contract.
Kobbie Mainoo's future is increasingly uncertain, though, as the sale of the England international would go down as pure profit on Man United's records and provide a much-needed economic boost.
Furthermore, Al-Hilal have apparently not given up their chances of landing Bruno Fernandes, whom they are now ready to make a third approach for after two failed moves.
Ben Knapton
