Transfer news: The Tonali saga puts Newcastle and Man Utd on a collision course

Transfer news: Newcastle United are unwilling to open serious discussions over Sandro Tonali until they resolve the expected departures of Anthony Gordon and Tino Livramento, per Ben Jacobs and the United Stand. The Magpies have set an asking price of £100 million for both Tonali and Gordon.

In comparison, Livramento’s valuation sits at around £60 million, a trio of sales that would reshape their entire financial picture heading into next season. Bayern Munich and Arsenal are also interested in Gordon, and Livramento has attracted interest from several top clubs, meaning Newcastle are essentially waiting for the dominoes to fall before engaging any bidder for Tonali.

Transfer news: Man Utd’s position on the fee

Manchester United, under Michael Carrick, see the valuation as a serious stumbling block. Graeme Bailey has reported that Newcastle will demand over £75 million for Tonali. The Jacobs report suggests the fee could run even higher. United are described as being in pole position for the Italy international according to Corriere della Sera, but the club’s board still considers the numbers difficult to justify for a single position in this window. Tonali featured in 53 matches across all competitions this season, including 11 appearances in the Champions League. So the football case is clear. The financial case for United is far less straightforward.

Transfer news: What makes this deal complicated?

Tonali’s agent has kept the transfer door open, saying Newcastle could not let him go mid-season and that decisions would be made when the campaign ended. The Italian is only 26, and he has already proven himself as one of the strongest midfielders in the Premier League. United remain genuinely interested and could revisit talks if Newcastle lower the asking price.

What should Carrick do in summer 2026?

Carrick should not chase Tonali at any cost this summer. The logic is not difficult to follow. Manchester United have just returned to the Champions League, their wage bill still carries dead weight, and spending £75m or more on one midfielder, however talented, leaves the squad thin everywhere else. Tonali is an outstanding player, but the priority should be depth and balance, not one marquee signing that drains the budget.

If Newcastle drop their asking price after selling Gordon and Livramento, a deal in the region of £60 million becomes far more defensible. At that number, United should move decisively. At £85 million or above, Carrick is better served looking at Atalanta’s Ederson or keeping faith with cheaper options already in the building.

Manchester United eye £80m gem in transfer news race

The most realistic outcome, given Newcastle’s financial juggling act and United’s caution, is a deal agreed in late July, well after the Gordon saga concludes, with a fee landing somewhere around £70 million. That is the number that works for everyone, and in the world of modern transfer news, compromise is usually where business gets done.