Sandro Tonali makes up his mind after increasing interest from Man City and Man United

According to recent reports from talkSPORT , Manchester City and Manchester United are set to go head-to-head for the signature of Newcastle United’s midfield maestro, Sandro Tonali . However, the 25-year-old Italian international reportedly has a different destination in mind, harboring a strong desire to return to his homeland and play in Serie A.

With Newcastle facing a turbulent summer rebuild following a bitterly disappointing domestic and European campaign, Tonali faces uncertain future at St. James’ Park with top Premier League clubs looking to make a move for him.

Both Manchester clubs are actively in the market for elite midfield reinforcements ahead of the 2026/27 season.

For Man United , the impending departure of veteran Casemiro and the ongoing search for a permanent manager have accelerated the need for a dynamic, deep-lying playmaker.

Tonali’s relentless work rate, exceptional passing range, and proven Premier League pedigree make him an ideal candidate to anchor their midfield rebuild alongside emerging academy talents.

On the other side of the city, Pep Guardiola’s Man City are looking to refresh their central options to maintain their dominance .

A fierce bidding war between the two Manchester heavyweights could provide Newcastle with a massive financial windfall, which they desperately need to balance their books and fund their own squad overhaul under the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR).

Sandro Tonali waves to the Newcastle United fans (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

Despite the prestige and immense financial packages that either Manchester club could offer, Tonali’s heart appears firmly set on a return to Italy.

Having initially joined Newcastle from his boyhood club AC Milan for a reported €70 million in 2023, the midfielder has endured a rollercoaster spell on Tyneside.

While the Newcastle faithful impressively stood by him through his lengthy 10-month betting ban, recent reports suggest his representatives have been quietly exploring avenues to bring him back to Serie A since January.

The primary hurdle, however, is pure economics. Very few clubs in Italy, including giants like Juventus or a returning AC Milan, can afford Newcastle’s steep asking price to recoup their investment, nor can they easily match the lucrative wages Tonali currently earns in England.

This financial reality could ultimately force the Italian to compromise, making a domestic move to Manchester his most viable exit strategy from St James’ Park.