Manchester United gains advantage in signing Tonali, reports suggest he is not Real Madrid's top choice! Possibly exchange Ugarte to reduce transfer fee.

Does Manchester United really want to buy Sandro Tonali? Recently, there have been different opinions on this topic. But in fact, the situation is very clear: Manchester United intends to sign this 25-year-old Italian midfielder, who is one of the potential successors to Casemiro.

Tonali is considered one of the key figures in Manchester United's midfield rebuild. Rumors suggest he has a gentleman's agreement with Newcastle United: if the team fails to qualify for the Champions League, he can choose to transfer. Not only Premier League giants, but Spanish newspaper "AS" reported that Real Madrid also received recommendations from agents and began scouting Tonali.

Spanish media reported that Real Madrid assigned a scout to Newcastle to personally observe Tonali's performance. However, Tonali is not Real Madrid's primary target; they would consider signing the Newcastle star only if other options are unavailable.

Tonali's agent Giuseppe Riso previously stated that the player's future will be decided after the World Cup. He said: "Everyone is waiting for the World Cup, after which various situations will arise, but everything starts after the World Cup."

Since the Italian national team failed to qualify for the 2026 World Cup finals in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, for Tonali, now is "after the World Cup." Riso said: "The transfer market essentially begins after the World Cup ends. However, obviously many negotiations need to be arranged now."

Newcastle CEO David Hopkinson has clearly stated that anyone wanting to buy their players must meet their asking price.

Tonali's price certainly won't be cheap, but compared to English national team player Elliott Anderson, his price is relatively lower. The 23-year-old Anderson will also represent England in the World Cup and is a candidate for Tuchel's defensive midfield role; if he performs well, his price will only increase.

English media hype about Manchester United wanting to complete a deal before the World Cup is clearly wishful thinking; Nottingham Forest would not agree. Anderson himself also stated: "There is a World Cup this summer, so all eyes are focused on that. I have obviously already worn the national team jersey, so currently my mind is fully occupied with this goal."

Italian transfer expert Fabrizio Romano said: "Some English media claim Tonali was Manchester United's target a year ago (not now), and his price remains too high. The information I received is that there was indeed contact between the two sides in February and March this year. Manchester United contacted Tonali's team again to understand his situation and inquire about Newcastle's asking price and conditions."

Romano added: "Arsenal also called to inquire about the situation, and Manchester City is also interested in Tonali, although their primary target is Nottingham Forest's Anderson. I said last month that Manchester City has already listed Anderson as their top recruitment target. Tonali is also included in the candidate list because Bernardo Silva is about to leave, so Manchester City may sign more than one new midfielder."

Regarding Manchester United's conditions for signing Tonali, Romano said: "Manchester United does not plan to pay an astronomical transfer fee for Tonali. If the price is suitable, he would be a serious candidate, but the Red Devils will not overspend. Like Manchester City, Manchester United is interested in both Tonali and Anderson, which is unquestionable, but it is still in the early stages; there is a long way to go before formal offers or agreements are reached."

Uruguay's "El País" reported that Manchester United might choose to include defensive midfielder Ugarte in the deal to reduce transfer fee expenditure. The report stated that Newcastle hoped to sign Ugarte from Manchester United in January, but the Red Devils considered the timing inappropriate and did not agree.

However, the 24-year-old Ugarte's playing style is considered unsuitable for Manchester United but may fit Newcastle's physical playing style. Sources reveal that after two disappointing seasons, Manchester United will consider offers to sell him this summer. If exchanged to Newcastle, it might offset around £20 million in fees.