Tonali Set for Old Trafford Switch, Claims Industry Insider

The transfer rumour mill continues to churn around Sandro Tonali, with a prominent football industry figure now insisting the Newcastle midfielder's next destination is Manchester United.

Former Everton CEO Keith Wyness has stoked the speculation surrounding the Italian midfielder, declaring that Tonali "has got his sights on" a move to Old Trafford and will "be making that move in the summer." United are reportedly preparing a formal offer in the region of £100m to prise the 24-year-old away from St James' Park.

The latest claims come despite Tonali's impressive recent form and his emphatic public backing of manager Eddie Howe. Following his two-goal display in Newcastle's 3-1 FA Cup victory over Aston Villa, Tonali made a point of celebrating with the Magpies boss, keen to quash persistent talk of a fractured relationship.

"I work every day with the gaffer, the gaffer works every day with me, and our relationship is perfect," Tonali explained. "It's not broken and I think this is perfect for the team."

The midfielder elaborated on his goal celebrations, noting his drought of seven months before breaking his duck. "If you don't score for seven months, after the first goal, you celebrate for ten or 11 goals – like Bruno," he said, drawing a comparison to Newcastle teammate Bruno Guimarães.

Wyness, however, remains unconvinced that such pleasantries will prevent a summer departure. "Everybody's going to be saying nice things right now, because why would you upset the apple cart at this stage in the season?" he told Football Insider. "But still, I do think he's going to be making that move in the summer."

The speculation around Tonali intensified during the winter window when Sky Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg claimed Arsenal were attempting a move for the international star. That report was subsequently dismissed as agent-driven conjecture, with Tonali remaining at Newcastle as the deadline passed.

Beyond Tonali, Manchester United's midfield recruitment has drawn scrutiny from former club insiders. Rene Meulensteen, who previously served as an assistant manager at Old Trafford, has suggested that United could explore alternatives or complementary options. The ex-coach highlighted Newcastle's Joelinton as a potential fit, praising his transformation into a midfield powerhouse under Howe's tutelage.

"He obviously came there as a forward and Eddie Howe has dropped him and turned him into this massive motor in midfield," Meulensteen told BetGoat. "He is a great player that has been learning from Bruno Guimaraes who is a leader, a strong character, a winner."

Meulensteen also referenced other potential targets, including Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton and Newcastle's Elliot Anderson, whilst emphasising the importance of preserving opportunities for emerging talent like Kobbie Mainoo at United.

"You wouldn't want to bring too many in because you don't want Kobbie Mainoo to end up back on the bench again," he explained. "He's proven in those games that Carrick has played him and he has all the right to keep playing and improving because you've got an outstanding player there."