Manchester United are reportedly interested in and have made an approach to sign promising Italian midfielder Sandro Tonali from Brescia.
According to British publication Metro, who credit Italian publication Corriere dello Sport, Manchester United are making a late attempt to compete with Inter Milan and AC Milan for Sandro Tonali. The highly-rated Brescia midfielder is primed for a summer move, with a host of big clubs taking a keen interest.
Inter Milan were reportedly leading the way for Sandro Tonali and were close to nabbing him from Brescia. But, latest reports have highlighted AC Milan’s resolve to steal the youngster away from their local rivals. The Rossoneri seem to have submitted an offer that has been accepted, as per reports from Italy.
AC Milan have made a new bid to sign Sandro Tonali – back in the race. Inter have agreed personal terms with the player but have not reached any agreement yet with Brescia. Derby on. ?? @DiMarzio @SkySport #Tonali #transfers
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 27, 2020
Although, Manchester United’s entry could complicate things for the Milan clubs. The Red Devils are looking to strengthen their squad for the upcoming season and a holding midfielder is high on the priority list. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will look to use Nemanja Matic wisely and needs an able holding midfielder who can rotate and share duties with the Serb.
At present, Manchester United have no viable options within the squad. The closest ones are Scott McTominay and Fred. However, the two players seem more comfortable in a more advanced position, leaving Matic as the only recognised player for the holding midfield slot.
Tonali is widely regarded as one of the best young midfield talents in Italy and has already earned 3 senior caps for the National Team. The 20-year-old has been tailed by a host of clubs for a couple of years now and this summer finally looks like the opportune time for him to take the next step in his club career.
Tonali has a strong set of qualities in his locker. The 20-year-old has a knack of being able to find an open teammate up ahead and has a mean long shot in him. His set-piece taking ability is also commendable. However, the one area he seems to be lacking in is when it comes to his tackling ability.
This might pose a problem when it comes to playing as a holding midfielder. But, Tonali’s concentration allows him to evade tricky positions without having to dive in for the ball.
There was ‘recently a phone call from Manchester United’ for Sandro Tonali #muzone [Corriere dello Sport via @Sport_Witness] pic.twitter.com/3jdyGM72VH
— United Zone (@ManUnitedZone_) August 27, 2020
Manchester United will have to be quick if they mean to steal Tonali from Inter Milan and AC Milan. For now, Inter still seem to be in the lead, with Milan catching up and it looks like a two-horse race. Will Manchester United be the third and the dark horse in the race for Tonali?
