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.DOWNLOAD THE OFFICIAL STRETTY NEWS APP FOR ALL THE LATEST UPDATES & BREAKING NEWS – STRAIGHT TO YOUR PHONE! ON APPLE & GOOGLE PLAYWhat Tonali had to say about his Newcastle futureHe 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. 🔺 NEW: Sandro Tonali’s agent has revealed that the player is considering leaving Newcastle United in the summer and may need Champions League football to tempt him to stay at St James’ Park. Read the details ⬇️https://t.co/5yOmwSEJKz — Times Sport (@TimesSport) February 6, 2026Will Tonali decide to stick or twist this summer?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.