Manchester United to miss out on midfield target Sandro Tonali to AC Milan

Premier League giants Manchester United have been dealt a transfer blow with midfield target Sandro Tonali reportedly agreed to join AC Milan, according to Brescia owner Massimo Cellino. 

The highly-rated Italian midfielder is regarded as one of the hottest young talents in Europe after a strong season in Serie A. 

It was claimed recently that Manchester United made a move for the £31 million rated star to bolster their midfield ranks.

Cellino, Brescia's owner, who is also the chairman of newly promoted Premier League side Leeds United, has confirmed Tonali is heading to AC Milan, according to Sky Sports Italia. 

Internazionale had also been keen to sign the midfielder dubbed as the "new Andrea Pirlo". However, if reports in Italy are to be believed, Tonali will wear the red and black of AC Milan in 2020-21. 

Brescia were always likely to want to cash-in on their star man this summer. The Italian side were relegated to Serie B after finishing 19th last term, a massive 14 points from safety. A cash-injection of £31 million will go a long way to softening the blow. 

Manchester United were already worried about missing out on Tonali after his agent reportedly advised him to stay put in Serie A. 

While Tonali has been compared to Italian legend Pirlo, the new Juventus boss believes the youngster even could surpass him. Earlier this year, Pirlo claimed: “It’s said that he may be my heir, but I don’t see many things in common. 

“He is another type of player. He is 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 is the most promising of midfielders. He will surely become a great player.”

Featured image credits - Sky Sports