- Alan Shearer makes interesting transfer claim on Sandro Tonali
- Newcastle United midfielder has been heavily linked with Manchester United
- Tonali valued at around £100m by the Magpies
Newcastle United are preparing for an important summer transfer window under Eddie Howe, and Sandro Tonali could position himself at the forefront of it.
The Italian midfielder enjoyed a fine season on Tyneside but has been heavily linked with a departure.
Arsenal and Manchester United are interested in signing Tonali, with the 26-year-old also linked with an emotional return to Serie A giants AC Milan.
Newcastle will look to avoid a drawn-out saga like the one involving Alexander Isak last summer, so his future is expected to be sorted out promptly.
And now, Alan Shearer has had his say on Tonali’s future, with Manchester United looking like his most likely destination.
Shearer analyses Tonali-Newcastle situation
Newcastle United value Tonali at around £100m, a figure that could serve as a hands-off warning for his potential suitors.
While Manchester United could make a move for him, the Red Devils have also been linked with Elliot Anderson, who is obviously a well-known figure in this part of the world.
Shearer feels the Red Devils will eventually turn to Tonali if they don’t get their hands on Anderson, who is at the top of their shortlist currently.
“Tonali, on the going to Man Utd rumours, I guess it all depends on if Man Utd get Elliot Anderson,” Shearer told Chronicle Live.
“Elliot Anderson would be their number one target, both City and Man United, that wouldn’t be a surprise to me.”
Should Newcastle sell Tonali?
The Magpies icon also feels Newcastle shouldn’t stand in Tonali’s way if he agitates for a transfer, as keeping an unhappy player would hurt the squad’s morale.
“Very much like the [Anthony] Gordon situation, if he makes it clear that he wants to leave, then you have to say, okay, we accept that, we get the best possible price for you and move on,” continued Shearer.
“I would like to see him stay at Newcastle, because I think there’s a real talent there, and I think he links really well with Bruno, but I don’t know his or the club’s situation.”
Howe and co tried to retain Isak last summer, but he ended up moving to Liverpool on deadline day. Granted, they got a Premier League record fee for their troubles, but their squad planning took a massive battering, which is evidenced by their 12th-place finish.
Tonali is one of the best players in the squad and it goes without saying that Newcastle would love to keep him. However, if he puts his foot down and demands to leave, the Magpies should reluctantly part ways if their asking price is met.
Another transfer saga is the last thing Howe needs during the upcoming summer transfer window.
