It is reported that Carrick wants Manchester United to sign Tonali, while Anderson is Ratcliffe's choice; one player's move has already lost its chance.

Manchester United are putting the finishing touches on the transfer of Ederson dos Santos as their first summer acquisition. Yet the 26-year-old Brazilian is not being brought in as Casemiro's successor; he is merely a rotational option. Supporters of the Red Devils are more curious about the identity of the elite midfielder reportedly valued at more than £80 million.

According to "TEAMtalk", Carrick, after being confirmed as permanent manager, has informed the club that his primary midfield target is Newcastle United's Sandro Tonali.

Carrick was born in Northeast England and supported Newcastle as a child, giving him a solid understanding of the Magpies and Tonali's situation. The 44-year-old Manchester United boss believes Tonali can adapt to his playing style. However, Manchester United owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his INEOS team appear to have a different view.

It is understood that Ratcliffe prefers Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson. The 23-year-old is three years younger than Tonali and holds an English "homegrown" status. As club managers, they must consider not only tactics but also other operational factors, such as commercial value.

Of course, Ratcliffe and INEOS may ultimately have to admit defeat, as Anderson is keen on joining Manchester City. He has already reached a personal agreement with the Citizens, and even though the manager has changed from Pep Guardiola to Enzo Maresca, he still wants to head to the Etihad. The only remaining obstacle is the transfer fee negotiations between Manchester City and Nottingham Forest. However, for Manchester United, the hope is slim: if even City finds the price too high, Ratcliffe will find it even more so.

The British Daily Mirror asserts that Manchester United will eventually give up on Anderson. But signing Tonali is no easy task either. His price, though lower than Anderson's, is still extremely high. The 26-year-old Italian international appreciates Newcastle's support during his suspension and will not force a move. British media reveal that he has already taken part in filming Newcastle's new kit, behaving very professionally and not causing any trouble.

Any club, like Manchester United, wanting to sign Tonali must submit a bid that satisfies Newcastle. Since Tonali's contract runs until 2030, Newcastle hold the upper hand in negotiations with potential buyers. According to TEAMtalk, two clubs are reportedly in talks to bring in Tonali, but Premier League champions Arsenal are not actively pursuing the player.

Manchester United have a summer transfer budget of £250 million. With top earner Casemiro already gone, second-highest earner Rashford also set to be sold, and high-wage player Sancho leaving upon contract expiry, they have ample funds to land Tonali. It is puzzling that while chasing Anderson, who is valued over £100 million, they claim the cost of Tonali is too high.

British media also report that another midfield target on Manchester United's shortlist, Bournemouth's Alex Scott, may not move this summer. The Cherries are preparing to extend his contract, and since they will be playing in European competition for the first time next season, they are not keen on selling too many key players.

Italian transfer expert Fabrizio Romano states that new manager Marco Rose regards the 22-year-old Scott as an indispensable key figure for the team. He is eager to keep the player as a core member to replicate the success achieved under Andoni Iraola. Given that Scott's contract with Bournemouth runs until 2028, the club faces no pressure to sell him during the summer window.