Paul Scholes thinks Man United could be signing midfielder 'better than' Declan Rice

Manchester United look set to welcome a big-money midfield signing this summer, and club legend Paul Scholes has told them his top pick in the Premier League

Paul Scholes believes Manchester United signing Sandro Tonali would mean the Premier League giants possess the best midfielder in the league.

A midfield overhaul is expected at Old Trafford with Casemiro leaving at the end of the season and the future of Manuel Ugarte uncertain. The likes of Brighton's Carlos Baleba, Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson and Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton are among those who have been tracked.

Alongside those names is Tonali, 25, who is in his third season at Newcastle. The Italy international's contract at St James' Park doesn't expire until the summer of 2029, with the option to extend for another year.

However, the Magpies' disappointing league campaign - as they sit 11th in the table - has sparked speculation surrounding Tonali's future and whether it does lie in the North East. The midfielder is routinely mentioned among the best in his position across the league, with Scholes previously claiming he reigns supreme ahead of Arsenal's Declan Rice.

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Despite complimenting Moises Caicedo and Alexis Mac Allister, Scholes chose Tonali when asked who he believes is the best midfielder in the league. "I love Sandro Tonali as well," the United legend said on Sky Bet’s The Overlap earlier this season.

"He’s been brilliant. Very good. I would probably choose Tonali at this point." When pressed on his choice, Scholes added: "Yes, you’re going to say Declan Rice, but I think he’s better than Rice. I really like Rice, don’t get me wrong, I think he’s got everything.

"Sometimes he takes a few too many touches of the ball and tries to look a bit more stylish than necessary. He can do everything but I just don’t think he does it enough. I prefer Tonali but they’re both good players."

During the January transfer window, Tonali's agent Giuseppe Riso reportedly spoke to Arsenal about a possible move and admitted that his client's future remains open. Riso said: "Newcastle are having a hard time letting go of Sandro, and he wants to lead the club to the Champions League.

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"We’ll evaluate and decide what to do in the summer. These transfer discussions will take place later. We’ll see how the season ends and then we’ll decide what to do. There’s no preference at the moment. It’s still early.

"What we’re saying today won’t apply tomorrow. Newcastle couldn’t let him go now, and there’s no point in moving, especially since Sandro is very attached to the club."

Securing Champions League football appears to be key for any suitor looking to sign Tonali. And Michael Carrick has put United on the right course in that respect, although the fight for qualification via league position is set to be hotly contested for the rest of the season.

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