Man Utd’s Premier League target drops hint over where his short-term future lies as Serie A move ruled out

Sandro Tonali has hinted at where his short-term future lies amid growing speculation he’ll leave Newcastle United this summer.

In the aftermath of long-serving captain Jamaal Lascelles leaving to join Leicester City last month, the Italian international was put on the spot regarding whether he’s prepared to take on more of a leadership role at St. James’ Park.

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He said (as per Chronicle Live ): “Yeah, of course. We are a bit different because Jamaal was a great leader; he spoke every week, every game, to our team, to every player. He was great with everybody, and alone in the private meetings, and really was a bit different to me.

“It would be a little bit tough because it’s not my first language, but I will try. I try to do my best. I try to help every player on the pitch. And I think this should be for every player, not just for me.”

It comes amid reports that Manchester United have added Tonali to their shortlist as they scour the market for a suitable replacement for Casemiro , who will leave the club when his contract expires in June.

Although the 25-year-old has stayed tight-lipped on the prospect of a potential transfer elsewhere, his agent has already suggested that a switch may be on the cards in the event Newcastle fail to qualify for the Champions League.

– Friday, 6 February 2026

Tonali is adamant about continuing to ply his trade in Europe’s elite competition , and the Magpies face an uphill battle to secure their spot again, given they sit 12th-placed after 29 matches and are 12 points adrift of the top four.

That being said, he might feel obliged to stick with them for a season out of Europe due to how they supported and rallied behind him throughout his 10-month ban for breaching Italian betting regulations.

Newcastle insider Craig Hope of the Daily Mail has also deemed a return to Serie A unlikely for Tonali anytime in the near future.

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