Fabrizio Romano via YouTube.
Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Sandro Tonali is indeed on Manchester United’s shortlist for summer 2026.
On Sunday, The Telegraph’s Mike McGrath first reported the Reds’ interest in the Newcastle United star.
🔴 Exclusive: Italian midfielder, who wants a guarantee of Champions League football, would command fee in region of £100m as agent stirs pot
Read the full story below 🖇️https://t.co/GjFETsFp63 pic.twitter.com/H7ABqzPx6a
— Telegraph Football (@TeleFootball) February 8, 2026
Sandro Tonali: The state of play
It comes after Tonali’s agent seemingly hinted at a move for his client at the end of the season amid the player feeling somewhat unsettled on Tyneside.
🔺 NEW: Sandro Tonali’s agent has revealed that the player is considering leaving Newcastle United in the summer and may need Champions League football to tempt him to stay at St James’ Park.
Read the details ⬇️https://t.co/5yOmwSEJKz
— Times Sport (@TimesSport) February 6, 2026
Continuing to play in the Champions League is essential for the 25-year-old, and, unless the Magpies go on to defy all the odds and win the trophy at the end of May, you wouldn’t rate Newcastle’s chances of qualifying.
They currently sit 12th-placed in the league and are 11 points off of fourth-placed United, having failed to win any of their last four fixtures.
Meanwhile, INEOS chiefs are continuing to do their research on which midfielder poses as the most suitable successor to trusted veteran Casemiro, who will leave Old Trafford when his contract expires in June after four years at the club.
Tonali, 25, joins a handful of Premier League-proven options being considered in M16, and is the eldest of the bunch. Adam Wharton (22), Carlos Baleba (22) and Elliot Anderson (23) are all firm targets, as things stand.
Brighton and Hove Albion’s Baleba was Ruben Amorim’s first choice before his reign came to an end, hence United holding tentative talks with the Cameroonian before 2025/2026 got underway.
What Romano is hearing about Tonali and United
Now, however, INEOS will also have to factor in the new manager’s opinion.
“Manchester United have multiple midfielders on their list, and Sandro Tonali is one they’re monitoring,” said Romano on YouTube last night.
“Final decisions depend on the permanent manager and UCL qualification. Amorim’s main target was Baleba.”
After matchweek 25, United are well in the mix to secure their UCL spot, boasting a one-point advantage over Chelsea and a five-point lead over Liverpool due to their chaotic defeat to Manchester City on Sunday evening.
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