Manchester United signing Ederson is now heading to the World Cup so Ineos will likely want another target who can arrive ready for pre-season.
A £38 million deal for Ederson was struck with Atalanta last week, so the Brazilian midfielder is set to finalise his move to Manchester United in early July.
Initially, Ederson was left out of the Brazil squad, so United were ready to welcome the 26-year-old to pre-season training at Carrington at the earliest available date.
However, Ederson has now been called up and will participate in the 2026 World Cup, so his arrival date may be pushed back. That could force Ineos to fast-track a deal for Sandro Tonali.
Ederson has been called into Brazil’s World Cup squad – What is your INSTANT REACTION
Why Ederson’s call-up could fast-track Sandro Tonali deal
Michael Carrick will begin United’s pre-season training in July, but he will have a shortage of midfielders available to him.
Kobbie Mainoo, Manuel Ugarte and Tyler Fletcher are all at the World Cup, and now Ederson is also unavailable and will likely be given an extended rest over the summer.
United have been linked with Sandro Tonali, and because of Italy’s failure to qualify for the World Cup, he has an empty schedule this summer.
Tonali could cost United £90m this summer, but Ineos will at least know that he would get a full summer to adapt to his new surroundings by joining pre-season training immediately.
The Italian would get a head start working with Carrick in training to prepare him for the 2026/27 season.
How do you really feel about Man United’s Sandro Tonali interest?
Is he who we need in midfield?🇮🇹
Man Utd’s midfield shortage is a concern
Carrick and his backroom staff will be eager to use every available minute to prepare players for the new season.
United are overhauling their midfield department this summer, but new arrivals and existing players may have limited time to gel with each other.
READ MORE: £98m Newcastle paperwork could help Man Utd push Sandro Tonali or Lewis Hall deal this summer
Signing Tonali would address this issue by giving Carrick a player to work with over the World Cup period.
The same applies to midfield targets Adam Wharton and Alex Scott, who were left out of Thomas Tuchel’s England squad.
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
