Late approach made as Man Utd aim to gazump Inter to €35m talent

Sandro Tonali, Kevin Lasagna

Manchester United have contacted Brescia over the transfer of in-demand midfielder Sandro Tonali, according to reports.

A number of Europe’s top clubs, including United, have been linked with a bid for the classy midfielder. He has previously revealed his love for all things Milan.

United were said to be pursuing a £40m move for Tonali last January, however an official bid never materialised.

The 20-year-old midfielder has impressed in his first season in Serie A but after Brescia’s relegation, he will look to move on.

Former Leeds chief Massimo Cellino, now in charge of Brescia, has accepted that Tonali will leave this summer.

“I fall in love with certain players and I would never want to sell them,” Cellino told Il Corriere dello Sport. “Building a good team around him, a team of satisfactions, was my dream.

“But I realise, however, that the boy has important personal targets, a family that supports him, especially the mother.”

“He prefers Inter and Juve. [Napoli President Aurelio] De Laurentiis has offered me €40m, Fiorentina are ready to do whatever it takes, but his fate is more or less sealed.”

Since those comments back in June, it is Inter who have pulled clear of their rivals for Tonali.

 

As per reports in Italy, they have agreed a loan with a €35m obligation to buy the Italy midfielder next summer.

However, il Corriere dello Sport claims United recently held talks regarding a potential move for Tonali. It’s suggested United could look to beat Inter to the punch by offering them the cash up front, as opposed a year from now.

However, United’s late approach for Tonali looks destined to end in failure. As per il Corriere, Tonali’s agents are advising the youngster to continue his development in Serie A.

Furthermore, it’s stated an agreement with Inter is close to being signed.

 

Tonali compared to Andrea Pirlo

Tonali has been compared favourably to new Juventus boss Andrea Pirlo for his playing style.

However, the Italian icon reckons the 20-year-old has the necessary attributes to succeed his achivements in the game.

Sandro Tonali TEAMtalk

“It’s said that he may be my heir, but I don’t see many things in common,” Pirlo said.

“He is another type of player. He’s much more complete both in the defensive phase and when he sets up.

“He is a mix between my characteristics and those of other players.

“He’s the most promising of midfielders. He will surely become a great player.”

 

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