Man United set sights on Newcastle star as £125m Elliot Anderson move ruled out

Manchester United have set their sights on a deal to sign Newcastle United star Sandro Tonali as an alternative to Elliot Anderson.

The Red Devils have now pulled out of the race to sign Anderson and believe he will join Man City, as Nottingham Forest are holding out for a £125million fee.

Instead, Michael Carrick is assessing his other options, with the Newcastle midfielder among a number of targets being tracked by the club's recruitment team.

Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Tonali is next on United's list of midfield targets and he would be open to the move.

After Newcastle missed out on qualification for European football, the Italy international could be tempted to make the step up as he wants to play at the top level.

Man United are closing in on the signing of Ederson from Atalanta, but believe they still need to stregnthen with the addition of a Premier League midfielder.

Brown told Football Insider in April that Tonali is Man United's top target should they miss out on Anderson, and they are now preparing to act on that interest.

The 25-year-old is eyeing a move away from St James' Park, with the likes of Arsenal and Man City also having been keeping a close eye on his situation.

However, United believe they will be able to get a deal over the line at a more affordable price and are now preparing to make a move.

"Everybody knows by now, Elliot Anderson was the top target," Brown told Football Insider.

"But it now looks like he's going to Man City, there have been big offers made and they're pushing to get tha

"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.

"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."

Man United are far from the only club interested in signing Tonali this summer and it may prove difficult for Newcastle to prevent his departure.

He is still seen as a key part of their plans for the future as they aim to turn things around after a thoroughly disappointing season at St James' Park.

Football Insider revealed last month that Newcastle are doing everything to keep Tonali at the club beyond the summer window, despite growing doubts about his future.

The Italy international has been a standout star under Eddie Howe, but he is considering his future as he has plans to continue playing at the highest level.

Newcastle are planning to place a significant price tag on the midfielder to deter interest, but there is a feeling clubs will be willing to test their resolve.