Man Utd Cool on Tonali Despite Gambling Ban Concerns as Newcastle Demand £100m+

Manchester United's interest in Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali appears to be cooling, with insiders at Old Trafford tempering expectations around a summer swoop for the Italian.

The Red Devils have already invested nearly £200m bolstering their attacking ranks and now have their sights set on midfield reinforcements. Despite a prolific season that's seen them net the third-highest goal tally in the Premier League, United recognise the need for quality in the centre of the park.

With Brazil's Casemiro set to depart and Manuel Ugarte likely heading for the exit, the midfielder's berth has become a pressing concern for the club's hierarchy.

Tonali had been flagged as a genuine target, but Newcastle's valuation—upwards of £100m—combined with fresh reservations about his recent gambling suspension have given United pause. According to The Athletic's James Horncastle, there's genuine unease at Old Trafford regarding the gambling ban, even as the club continues to eye the midfielder as a potential option.

"There is also a concern among some at Old Trafford about his gambling ban," Horncastle noted. "The overall cost of a potential deal is a factor. United sources, speaking on condition of anonymity, played down the prospect of a move for Tonali in the upcoming transfer window."

Arsenal harbour interest too, though they're equally reluctant to meet Newcastle's asking price. A return to Serie A appears off the table entirely—Italian clubs, notably Juventus, simply cannot finance such an outlay, with the Turin outfit facing potential Champions League exclusion.

However, Fabrizio Romano revealed that United have already made preliminary contact with Tonali's representatives, keen to stay informed of developments. The midfielder has impressed recently for both club and country, netting for Italy against Northern Ireland and delivering consistently for Newcastle.

"It is important to note that Manchester United have already made contact with Tonali's camp to be informed about his situation," Romano explained. "There is still no agreement, no negotiation stage yet, but the interest is real and consistent."

Tonali, for his part, is reportedly receptive to the prospect of returning to a top European stage should circumstances align. While early contact has been established, the deal remains very much in its infancy, with the next chapter likely to unfold as the window progresses.