MANCHESTER, July 1 Betandsured. Paul Scholes has called on Manchester United to make a dramatic intervention in the race for Newcastle United’s Sandro Tonali, warning that his former club risk being left behind if they allow Tottenham Hotspur to secure the Italy international without a fight .
The Old Trafford icon delivered a pointed assessment of United’s midfield situation, suggesting that the club’s apparent reluctance to enter the bidding for the 26 year old reflects a deeper problem with their recruitment strategy .
“The centre of the pitch is a big problem for me. You don’t feel like something is happening either, there’s nothing, there are no rumours,” Scholes told Sky Sports .
Scholes: Tonali the Answer
Scholes, who made 718 appearances for the Red Devils, did not mince words when asked which player United should target to address their midfield deficiencies.
“I’ve said it, I said it on the podcast six months ago, I love Tonali from Newcastle. It looks like a few clubs are in for him, including Tottenham,” he said .
“It doesn’t sound like we are in for him, but I think that would be… he knows the Premier League, he’s been with Newcastle for two or three years, obviously he had a year where he couldn’t play, but I think he’s a top class midfield player” .
The former England international’s admiration for Tonali extends beyond mere appreciation. He has previously suggested the Italian is superior to Arsenal’s Declan Rice, describing Tonali as a midfielder who can run, control games, and contribute at both ends of the pitch .
“Whether Manchester United want to do that [Tonali] deal for £90m/£100m, whatever it is, I don’t know, but I think they’re going to have to do some business if they want to be successful next year,” Scholes added .
Spurs Lead the Chase
Tottenham have already seen an opening £75 million bid rejected by Newcastle, who value Tonali closer to the £100 million mark . Spurs are understood to be preparing an improved offer as Roberto De Zerbi makes the Italian a cornerstone of his ambitious rebuild in north London .
The north London club have already secured the £85 million signing of West Ham’s Mateus Fernandes, yet they view Tonali as a completely separate pursuit rather than an alternative . Renowned transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Tottenham remain locked in conversations with Newcastle over the Italian international .
City and Arsenal in the Mix
Manchester City are also tracking Tonali, even after agreeing a British record £116 million deal for Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson . The Premier League champions are understood to be keen on adding a second midfielder to their ranks .
Arsenal, who held talks with Tonali’s representatives in January, remain in the picture, though their interest has cooled as they explore other options, including Tonali’s Newcastle teammate Bruno Guimaraes .
Tonali is believed to have identified Arsenal and Manchester City as his preferred destinations should he leave St James’ Park, though his desire for a move is complicated by Newcastle’s determination to keep him .
United’s Alternative Targets
United have already secured the £35 million signing of Atalanta’s Ederson but remain in the market for at least one more midfielder . Borussia Dortmund’s Felix Nmecha and Bournemouth’s Alex Scott are understood to be the more realistic targets, with United having made an enquiry about the German’s availability .
Bournemouth’s reluctance to sell Scott means Nmecha, a former Manchester City academy product, appears the more likely addition. Sources suggest the Germany international, who impressed at the World Cup, could be signed for less than £86 million .
