Manchester United have added Sandro Tonali to their list of targets ahead of the summer transfer window.

The Newcastle United midfielder’s was the surprise subject of intense speculation on deadline day when it emerged that Arsenal had expressed an interest in the Italy international.

Mikel Arteta had been scouring the market for cover as a result of Mikel Merino’s long-term injury but the current Premier League leaders were immediately informed Tonali, valued at around £100m, was not for sale.

Regardless of Merino’s long-term future, Arsenal look certain to test Newcastle’s resolve come the summer, but they are far from the only interested party.

Chelsea, too, have been credited with an interest while Pep Guardiola sparked the suggestion he, too, was a fan of Tonali after he made a beeline for the 25-year-old after Wednesday’s Carabao Cup semi-final second leg.

United, meanwhile, will be looking to bolster their engine room,never mind whether it is Michael Carrick in charge or not, in light of Casemiro’s decision to call time on his Old Trafford career.

The likes of Adam Wharton, Carlos Baleba and Elliot Anderson have already been earmarked by United’s transfer chiefs but the potential availability...