Credit: Imago

Oliver Walton

Thu 30 April 2026 8:30, UK

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Newcastle United must be expecting Manchester United to make an imminent move for Sandro Tonali following new reports around his potential exit this summer.

Tonali’s future has been the subject of intense speculation following a disappointing campaign for Eddie Howe’s side.

They are expected to be forced into some high-profile sales, with European qualification looking unlikely, and the Italy midfielder may well be on his way out.

He has continued to be a standout for the Magpies, despite their struggles, and is attracting interest from numerous top European sides as a result.

Newcastle’s transfer plans remain uncertain, but they could well be resigned to losing Tonali very soon after a new update on his future.

Man United could make Sandro Tonali move as soon as possible after new update

According to a new update from Fabrizio Romano, Tonali is not planning to return to Italy this summer, despite reports that he would prefer to rejoin his former club, AC Milan, if he leaves Newcastle.

He is instead believed to be keen on staying in England to play at the highest level, with top Premier League clubs keeping tabs and movements about his future expected “soon.”

Sources exclusively revealed to Football Insider at the start of April that Man United were set to accelerate a move for Tonali after falling behind Man City in the race to sign Elliot Anderson.

City remain the clear favourites to sign the Nottingham Forest star, while United are assessing which midfielder to make a move for to replace Casemiro.

With Tonali’s future seemingly expected to be resolved soon, Newcastle must be fearful that Man United are lining up an imminent move for their key man.

He is clearly well-liked by their hierarchy, and the Red Devils look set to be able to offer him Champions League football next season.

They are not facing any competition from Italy, while City are looking elsewhere and Arsenal seem unlikely to splash out over £100million on another midfielder, so the path to his signature seems pretty clear for Man United as it stands.

What has Howe said about the rumours around Tonali’s future?

Howe’s own future at Newcastle has been questioned in recent weeks following some dismal league form that has seen them slip away from European qualification.

He still looks set to remain in charge at St James’ Park ahead of the summer window, and has publicly reiterated his desire to keep Tonali around for next season.

Speaking about rumours linking him with a move away last month, he said: “The person that matters the most is Sandro. I see him totally committed.

“He’s here for the team, not for himself. Forget the noise around him, he’s just fully committed”.

Howe clearly wants the public perception to be that of Newcastle holding the cards ahead of the summer window, but they do not, and he could well be lured away very soon.