Manchester City Among Clubs Keeping Close Eye on Brescia's Sandro Tonali
By Adam Aladay
Brescia's talented youngster Sandro Tonali 'appears certain' to leave the club at the end of the season, with Manchester City among the sides most interested.
Despite his tender age, Tonali has been a key figure for Brescia this season, starting 23 of his side's 26 Serie A games this season. In this time, he has scored one goal and provided five assists. The teenager has continually impressed with his tough tackling and gracefulness with the ball at his feet.
The 19-year-old's immense performances in the centre of the park this season haven't gone unnoticed, with the player persistently linked with a number of top sides across Europe. Corriere dello Sport (via Sport Witness) have now provided an update, claiming that Manchester City's interest in Tonali 'isn't a secret'.
However, Paris Saint-Germain’s are also said to be keen, and are trying to make ‘manoeuvres’ in order to beat the competition to his signature. Similarly, the report further adds that Tonali could remain in Italy, with 'a number' of top Italian sides keeping a close eye on him.
Brescia had initially set a price of €50m for his services, but the club were said to be 'confident' that a bidding war would break out between those interested in Tonali. As a result, this would see his price drastically increase.
However, the report alludes to the current coronavirus pandemic and the impact this could have on a potential deal. Due to the virus, Brescia's valuation of Tonali could drop, while the same would happen if the club were to be relegated this season if and when the football resumes. Brescia found themselves sat at the bottom of the pile in Serie A before play was halted.
Nonetheless, it 'appears certain' that the talented midfielder will 'make the leap' to a bigger club for the next season.
Man City's interest in Tonali is not new. The club sent scouts to watch him in action back in November as they looked to compete with local rivals Manchester United for his signature. But equally, Juventus have notably shown an interest in the Italian, and the club are said to be increasingly focussing on Tonali and Lyon's Houssem Aouar as realistic midfield targets - as opposed to Man Utd's Paul Pogba.
It appears as though Tonali will be making a switch during the summer, but it remains to be seen where he will end up, with numerous top clubs circling.