Bryan Robson has warned Manchester United that Newcastle United could block their attempt to sign Sandro Tonali this summer. The 25-year-old Italian midfielder is one of several names on United's shortlist as they search for a new midfielder.
Midfield Overhaul Needed
The Red Devils need a replacement for Casemiro, who will leave Old Trafford upon the expiry of his contract in June. Ex-Newcastle star Elliot Anderson is also on United's shortlist alongside Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton.
Tonali brings experience and trophies, but prising him away from St James' Park will be difficult. Robson explained on the Talk Of The Devils podcast: "There's always quality players up there [in the north east] and you just hope that when your scouts see these players, you actually capture them."
"Anderson is one that will definitely be on the chart and Adam Wharton down at Crystal Palace. The thing is, you can have the people who you want to bring into your club but sometimes the transfer fee is going to be massive, or the clubs just don't want to sell."
Robson's Warning on Tonali
The ex-United captain added: "I look at Tonali at Newcastle and we've been linked with him quite a bit at United. A club like Newcastle with loads of money - they get full houses, they get 60,000 every game - do they really want to lose a player like that? Because then they've got to replace him, a bit like Bruno Fernandes with us."
Tonali was linked with a shock move to Arsenal on transfer deadline day earlier this year but ended up staying on Tyneside. His agent, Beppe Riso, has also gone public to suggest that a move in the near future is likely.
Newcastle's Stance
The Italy international is under contract until 2029, having cost £55 million to sign from AC Milan in 2023 before he missed 10 months through suspension after breaching gambling rules. Newcastle would undoubtedly want to make a profit on Tonali if they sold him, although Magpies boss Eddie Howe believes that he's committed.
"I discuss things with players all the time," Howe explained. "I don't necessarily discuss transfer speculation unless I feel it's got to a point where I have to. After I had the chat with Sandro, I think the biggest thing I look for is the commitment to training because I think if I see the commitment to the training ground work, the player will perform."
