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Manchester United's interest in the Newcastle United star is reportedly fading as the summer window draws closer

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The best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week. Become a Member in Seconds Unlock instant access to exclusive member features. You are now subscribed Your newsletter sign-up was successful Want to add more newsletters? Five times a week Four Four Two Daily Fantastic football content straight to your inbox! From the latest transfer news, quizzes, videos, features and interviews with the biggest names in the game, plus lots more. Once a week . .. And it’s LIVE! Sign up to our FREE live football newsletter, tracking all of the biggest games available to watch on the device of your choice. Never miss a kick-off! Join the club Get full access to premium articles, exclusive features and a growing list of member rewards. Manchester United can start planning for life in the Champions League next season after consolidating their place in the Premier League top five. United's 1-0 win at sixth-place Chelsea on Saturday increased the gap to the Blues to 10 points with just five games of the campaign remaining. While the return of Champions League football to Old Trafford after three years away will bring money and prestige, the club's hierarchy must also ensure they have a squad capable of competing on four fronts after missing out on Europe altogether last season.

United's win at Chelsea was a timely result for interim head coach Michael Carrick, after a draw at Bournemouth and home defeat by Leeds United raised doubts over his suitability for the permanent job. While Carrick's future beyond the end of the season remains unclear, the club are ploughing on with their plans for the summer transfer window.

United are particularly keen to revamp their midfield, with former Real Madrid star Casemiro set to be released at the end of the season and Manuel Ugarte's future uncertain, and they are exploring several options. But one player who has fallen down the list of targets is Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali, according to The Telegraph. The best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week. The newspaper reported in February that the Italy international was high on United's midfield shortlist, but they now say the chances of a move appear to be "receding". Tonali has been ever-present for club and country this season, playing 56 games in all competitions and scoring five goals. The Telegraph do not say why the 25-year-old appears to be falling down United's shortlist, but the report adds that the club are keen to ensure that any new arrivals complement their existing players.

This has seen United hold fire on Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton, who The Telegraph say has been heavily scouted but is thought to be too similar to Kobbie Mainoo to be a natural partner in a deeper midfield position. United youth product Mainoo - who turned 21 on Sunday - has returned to the starting line-up under Carrick, having previously been out of favour under former head coach Ruben Amorim, and is expected to sign a new contract with his current deal set to expire next summer. Carrick's side will aim to move a step closer to confirming Champions League qualification when they host Brentford next Monday. James Roberts is a freelance sports journalist working for Four Four Two and other titles. He started his career at the Oxford Mail, where he covered Oxford United home and away, before becoming a sports sub-editor for various national newspapers. You must confirm your public display name before commenting Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.

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