Paul Scholes is tired of watching Manchester United’s midfield stay quiet while other contenders make moves. And he’s got a name he wants the club to chase: Sandro Tonali.
The former United midfielder didn’t hold back on Sky Sports this week, saying the Red Devils need to get involved in the race for the Newcastle standout or risk being left behind entirely. Tottenham is currently driving that race. Spurs have already had a £75 million bid rejected, and according to reports, they’re ready to come back with an eye-popping £100 million offer.
That would shatter Tottenham’s transfer record, which currently sits at the £65 million they spent on Dominic Solanke. Roberto De Zerbi, now in charge at Spurs, has made Tonali a priority target. Personal terms are reportedly already agreed upon between the player and the club. That part is done.
Scholes makes his case
“The centre of the pitch is a big problem for me,” Scholes said. “You don’t feel like something is happening either. There’s nothing. There are no rumours.”
He went on: “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. 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 Italian international missed most of last season due to a betting suspension, but he’s back and has reminded everyone why Newcastle spent big on him in the first place. That resume — Premier League experience, high ceiling, still only 25 — is exactly what United’s midfield needs, according to Scholes.
United has other irons in the fire
United has already agreed to a £35 million deal for Atalanta’s Ederson, a Brazilian midfielder who can play box-to-box. But Scholes clearly thinks one signing isn’t enough. The club is also looking at Borussia Dortmund’s Felix Nmecha and Bournemouth’s Alex Scott. Bournemouth doesn’t want to sell Scott, which pushes Nmecha higher up the list. A top source confirmed United has made an inquiry about Nmecha’s availability.
Here’s the thing though. Even as United browses other options, Tottenham has already beaten them to another midfield target this summer. Mateus Fernandes was headed out of West Ham, and Spurs got him. Michael Carrick’s side missed out on that one, and it’s starting to look like a pattern.
Tonali wants Spurs
We confirmed on Friday that Tonali wants to join Tottenham. That’s despite Spurs’ recent struggles on the pitch. De Zerbi’s presence is a major draw, and it’s working. Manchester City is also in the mix for Tonali, even after making a massive £116 million deal for Elliot Anderson. So United isn’t just competing with Tottenham here. They’re competing with the league champions too.
If United waits much longer, this one might be gone. Scholes seems to know it. The question is whether the club’s decision makers feel the same urgency.
Leave a Comment