Man Utd dealt transfer blow after target Sandro Tonali's move to AC Milan 'confirmed by Brescia owner Massimo Cellino'

MANCHESTER UNITED have been dealt a transfer blow after Sandro Tonali agreed to join AC Milan, according to Brescia owner Massimo Cellino.

The Italian midfielder, 20, is regarded as one of the hottest young talents in Europe after a strong season in Serie A.

On Friday, Man Utd were claimed to have made a move for the £31m-rated star to bolster their midfield ranks.

But Brescia owner – and Leeds chairman – Cellino has confirmed Tonali is heading to Milan, according to Sky Sports Italia.

Inter Milan had also been keen to sign the "new Andrea Pirlo".

However, if reports in Italy are to be believed, Tonali will wear the red and black of AC Milan in 2020-21.

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Brescia were always likely to want to cash-in on their star man this summer.

The Italian side were relegated to Serie B after finishing 19th last term – a massive 14 points from safety.

And a cash-injection of £31m will go a long way to softening the blow.

Man Utd were already worried about missing out on Tonali after his agent reportedly advised him to stay put in Serie A.

While Tonali has been compared to Italian legend Pirlo, the new Juventus boss believes the youngster even could surpass him.

Earlier this year, Pirlo claimed: “It’s said that he may be my heir, but I don’t see many things in common.

“He is another type of player. He is much more complete both in the defensive phase and when he sets up.

“He is a mix between my characteristics and those of other players.

“He is the most promising of midfielders. He will surely become a great player.”