Manchester United confirms Tonali as top target! Reveals reasons for pursuing struggling Bariba, with another player as backup.

Manchester United's primary choice for a new midfielder in the summer window has been confirmed to be Newcastle United's 25-year-old Italian international Sandro Tonali. Italian transfer expert Fabrizio Romano used three "very"s to describe his ranking: "Tonali is a player who is very, very, very highly regarded within Manchester United. Manchester City's current top target is Elliot Anderson, so Manchester United is actively working on Tonali's transfer."

As fans know, important things are said three times, and Tonali's prominent position on Manchester United's candidate list is evident. His performance in the World Cup qualifier playoffs with the Italian national team this week, contributing with a goal and an assist, will only deepen the Red Devils' admiration. Moreover, Tonali's style fits Manchester United's needs well. His Newcastle United teammate Bruno Guimarães summarized Tonali's characteristics in one sentence: "He is a gladiator!"

Manchester United's Bruno—Captain B. Fernandes—would also be happy to work with Tonali. Furthermore, Manchester United believes signing Tonali is a feasible plan. If Newcastle United fails to qualify for the Champions League, they will need to sell players to fill financial gaps, and Tonali is one of the players who could fetch the highest price. English media reports that Tonali's agent and the club have a gentleman's agreement: if the "Magpies" miss European competition this season, the player can be allowed to transfer to a Champions League club.

Therefore, Manchester United will formally bid for Tonali after this season ends. It is reported that Newcastle United hopes to avoid a drama similar to last season's Isak situation and wants Tonali to clearly state his intentions, so the club can take the next steps accordingly.

Newcastle United's contract with Tonali runs until 2029, so even if they sell him, they will demand a high price. Having bought him for £55 million, after his excellent performances, asking for over £80 million in transfer fees is not considered outrageous. Newcastle even hopes to sell for £100 million, but that might be too high.

Regardless, if Manchester United acquires Tonali, the price for a second midfielder might need to be somewhat lower. Currently, Brighton's Carlos Bariba remains a consideration for the Red Devils, even though his performance this season has been poor, arguably disastrous.

The 22-year-old Cameroon international has been substituted at halftime seven times this season—four times at the club and three times in national team matches. He occasionally shows flashes of brilliance but lacks consistency. However, Manchester United believes such performances will force Brighton to lower their valuation.

Last summer, Brighton demanded £120 million in transfer fees, preventing Bariba's dream move to Manchester United. That is considered one reason for his poor performance this season, though Bariba himself naturally denies it. He has played 19 times this season and remains an important player for the "Seagulls," attributing his slump mainly to injuries.

Bariba emphasizes that he has also improved; last season his English was only average, but he has worked hard to improve over the past months. He also brought his family from Cameroon to England to help him through the tough season. Bariba hopes to regain his form and attract interest from top clubs this summer, especially Manchester United.

Insiders at Brighton reveal that, unlike last summer, the club is no longer firmly opposed to selling him this time, feeling it might be the right moment to sell Bariba. Brighton is eyeing Ghanaian international Caleb Ilenge from Danish club Nordsjælland, who comes from the same academy as West Ham's Kudus. Højler's team intends to replace Bariba with him, similar to how they bought Bariba from Lille in 2023 to replace Moisés Caicedo.

For Brighton, the model of buying a player, using him for three seasons, selling him for profit, and then buying another young talent has proven very effective. They bought Bariba for only €27 million (£23.5 million), so making a profit is inevitable; they will likely set a price of at least £70 million.

Manchester United is also keeping an eye on Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton. The 22-year-old English international is also expected to transfer to a Champions League club this summer. Crystal Palace's contract with him runs until 2029, but based on recent sales like Olise (£60 million) and Eze (£67.5 million), Wharton's price would be similar. Rumors suggest he also has a gentleman's agreement with the club, allowing a transfer for £65 million.