Manchester United faces competition from Real Madrid in signing Tonali, with a €100 million transfer fee and £200,000 weekly wages! Previously failed to hijack the deal.

Newcastle United, who defeated Manchester United midweek, expended too much energy and lost 1-3 to Manchester City in the weekend FA Cup, missing out on the quarter-finals. During the match, a Real Madrid scout reportedly appeared at St James' Park to observe Italian midfielder Sandro Tonali, a player also of interest to the Red Devils.

Reports suggest Real Madrid also intends to compete for Tonali's signing in the summer window, similar to Premier League giants like Manchester United and Arsenal. Tonali's agent attended Arsenal's away match against Brighton midweek last week. This will likely increase Tonali's transfer cost; his contract with Newcastle expires in 2029, the club holds a one-year priority renewal option, and his current weekly wage is already £150,000.

This means that in summer, not only must a €100 million transfer fee be paid, but a weekly wage of £200,000 would also be required to provide sufficient appeal. Manchester United clearly understands that securing Tonali demands substantial financial investment.

The 25-year-old Tonali will not pressure Newcastle solely for personal gain, as the "Magpies" offered significant support during his suspension period, not rejecting him but instead granting him a new contract. Tonali wishes to continue playing in the Champions League, so he will indeed consider leaving, but he will not force a transfer, hoping to end the collaboration amicably.

If Newcastle can secure Champions League qualification, they have a chance to retain Tonali. However, they trail significantly in the Premier League, and in the Champions League knockout stage, they drew Barcelona; the likelihood of winning and continuing into next season's competition is very slim.

In public, Tonali has not ruled out the possibility of continuing to play for Newcastle; he even voluntarily expressed willingness to assume a leadership role within the team.

Tonali stated: "Would I be willing to replace Lascelles' position next season? Yes, of course. We are somewhat different; Jamaal (Lascelles) is a great leader, communicating with every player weekly, in every match, and maintains good relations. But privately, he and I are quite different. It might be challenging because English is not my native language; I will try my best, do everything I can to help every teammate. I believe this should be the responsibility of every player, not just an individual's duty."

Tonali mentioned that when he was suspended for nine months, Newcastle and his teammates helped him through the difficult period. This made him deeply grateful and also helped him build connections with the club and many key players. "Our dressing room leadership group consists of six or seven players, and they all gave me great support, especially in my first year, three years ago, which was very tough for me."

Tonali's agent, Giuseppe Riso, indicated that discussions regarding potential transfer fees and new clubs will wait for some time. Riso told Italian newspaper Tuttosport that Tonali will consider his future only after this season concludes.

The agent said: "Transfer discussions will occur later. We will first see how this season unfolds, then decide what to do. There is no preferred destination at present; it's still too early, and our decisions today might change tomorrow. Newcastle cannot release him now, and a transfer is not necessary, especially since Sandro holds deep affection for the club. We will assess the situation in summer and then make a decision."

British newspaper Daily Mirror reports that Manchester United's interest in Tonali has long existed. Back in 2020, the Red Devils' management attempted to hijack Tonali's transfer just before the window closed, when he was already set to leave Brescia.

Unfortunately, Manchester United, typically slow-moving, contacted Tonali's agent when he was nearly finalizing his transfer. Weeks later, he officially announced joining AC Milan.

Italian media reported that when Manchester United called Tonali, it was already too late; his transfer to Milan had been agreed upon. How will this situation unfold? British media believe the likelihood remains relatively low; Tonali and his Newcastle teammate Bruno Guimarães are not the Red Devils' primary targets.

However, it is true that the club admires him; reportedly, one scene left a strong impression on Manchester United. In the final moments of a Newcastle vs. Manchester United match, Tonali could still sprint with the ball from the backfield straight into the opponent's half, while the Red Devils' midfielders Mason Mount and Kobbie Maino were exhausted, and Leny Yoro could only struggle to chase.