Newcastle United have been linked with signing Scott McTominay this summer, but it appears that Manchester United are in two minds about selling him.
The 26-year-old is a long-term target for the Magpies, with Newcastle failing to sign him at the start of the year when Eddie Howe was in need of a midfielder.
Man United would not let McTominay leave for Tyneside, despite the Scotland international being keen on the move.
Their stance appears to have softened during the summer transfer window, with the Red Devils now potentially open to McTominay leaving Old Trafford – but only if he wants to.
Man United willing but not pushing to sell Scott McTominay
According to the Daily Mail, Man United are planning a clear out, and McTominay is one of the players they would be willing to let go.
The report states that he is valued at £40million, although Erik ten Hag is not looking to force him out of the club. The Daily Mail add that he is still ‘highly valued’ at Old Trafford, and that they will only sell him if he makes it clear that he would like a fresh start elsewhere.
Man United reportedly appreciate why he would want to leave, with his minutes becoming limited last season after the arrival of Casemiro from Real Madrid.
That could force him to leave the Red Devils, but the chance to sign for Newcastle might have passed him by.
The Magpies are set to sign Sandro Tonali from AC Milan, so it feels incredibly unlikely that Toon officials will follow that deal up with a move for the Manchester United man – especially not at £40million. That is way too expensive, and with a lot of the summer budget spent on Tonali, Howe will be looking to get the most out of his remaining funds.
Unless Man United severely drop their asking price, there is no way McTominay is coming to Tyneside. And considering they aren’t desperate to sell him, it is difficult to see that happening.