Man Utd Target Sandro Tonali As Elliot Anderson Alternative

Manchester United are known to be prioritising their midfield rebuild this summer after losing Casemiro upon the expiry of his contract at the end of the season. 

Manuel Ugarte could be the next to depart Old Trafford, although that may wait until after the World Cup. The Uruguay international is sure to be unhappy with his game time under Michael Carrick, and an exit seems best for all parties. 

Éderson looks set to replace one of the midfielders, but his signing may wait until later in the window, too. The Atalanta star was called up to Carlo Ancelotti's squad as a late replacement for Wesley, but terms with United seem to have been agreed. 

West Ham United's Mateus Fernandes looks to be next on the list for United. Roundtable understands that United have entered club-to-club talks for the Portuguese playmaker. 

But reports have stated that United could target as many as three midfielders this summer - perhaps explaining the most recent links to Newcastle United's Sandro Tonali. 

Earlier in Michael Carrick's tenure, Elliot Anderson appeared to be the first-choice central midfield target, but it now seems United have switched to Newcastle United's Sandro Tonali. 

Football Insider reports that United have pulled out of the race for Anderson, and believe he will join Manchester City, with Nottingham Forest holding out for £125 million. 

"So United now have to look further down their shortlist, and I'm told the next on that list is Sandro Tonali, because he could be looking to leave Newcastle this summer," said United's former Chief Scout Mick Brown. 

"There's been speculation that his agent has made contact with different clubs, and United are definitely among.

"If he's going to be available, he is the one they will want after they get this deal for Ederson over the line, because he ticks a number of boxes that Carrick is looking for.

"He's a top midfielder, Tonali, so it would certainly make a lot of sense and it would be cheaper than doing a deal for Anderson as well." 

While Tonali has not had a price put on his head, the general feeling is that he will cost less than Anderson but more than Éderson. 

This summer, United need to prioritise a central midfielder who complements Kobbie Mainoo. That means a player who is willing to balance defence and attack, a player who is a strong runner without the ball, and a player who can be a threat in the air. 

While that may be difficult to find in just one player - showing how impressive Casemiro was - Sandro Tonali cuts it pretty close. 

At Newcastle United, he has had to learn when to attack and when to defend, while Bruno Guimaraes does the opposite. Eddie Howe's Newcastle side are also known for its intense press out of possession. Not quite three out of three, but pretty close. 

In truth, United will not be able to replace Casemiro with a like-for-like player. Because it's Casemiro. Five-time Champions League winner Casemiro. Players like him do not come around often.

But Tonali is not too far off.