Manchester United are set to make a move for Newcastle United star Sandro Tonali, with Bruno Fernandes playing a surprise role despite Arsenal interest.
Tonali was in fine form on Thursday as the Newcastle man helped keep Italy's World Cup hopes alive with a fine strike to open the scoring in their 2-0 win over Northern Ireland.
The midfielder has been a key man for Eddie Howe this season, particularly with the fitness woes of captain Bruno Guimarães but his time on Tyneside could be coming to a close.
According to The Daily Mail's Craig Hope, sources linking the Italian to Old Trafford have gathered serious momentum in recent days.
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He claims that in the last 48 hours, United have leaped to the front of the queue for Tonali, ahead of the likes of Barcelona, Real Madrid, Arsenal and Manchester City.
Hope also noted that United captain Bruno Fernandes has played a surprise role in United's interest, telling the club hierarchy he would support a move to bring the 25-year-old to the club.
Tonali isn't United's only shortlisted option for the midfield position, but the Newcastle man is believed to be the number one target ahead of England stats Elliot Anderson and Adam Wharton.
Tonali's agent believes World Cup success can secure move
Similarly to Liverpool's interest in Alexander Isak last summer, Newcastle are very aware of the interest in Tonali from Manchester, but have received no indication from the player he wants to leave.
However, while Tonali might be quiet on his future, his agent Giuseppe Riso certainly isn't, recently speaking about how the World Cup is an opportunity for the Italian to secure a big move.
“That was the goal, to try to make him a star player,” Riso said.
“He’s the Italian footballer with one of the highest values. If he shines at the World Cup, will City or Arsenal be hot on his heels? It’s very likely.”
Tom Jenkins