Mohamed Salah could replace Cristiano Ronaldo at Al Nassr, Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali 'high' on Manchester United shortlist - Paper Round
Updated 09/02/2026 at 10:04 GMT
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The rumours regarding Mohamed Salah's future continue, with a new report claiming that the Liverpool forward could replace Cristiano Ronaldo at Saudi Pro League club Al Nassr. Elsewhere, Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali is "high" on the shortlist of Manchester United and Marcus Rashford is set to leave Old Trafford this summer, with Barcelona keen to make his loan move permanent.
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Mohamed Salah could replace Cristiano Ronaldo at Al Nassr, according to reports.
The Liverpool forward's future at Anfield is uncertain following an explosive interview in December, while Ronaldo is currently on strike at the Saudi Pro League club and said to be heading for the exit door.
That opens up an opportunity for Salah to "become the new face of the Saudi Pro League this summer," according to the Daily Express.
"The 33-year-old could triple his £400,000-a-week Liverpool salary if he accepts a proposal that would conclude his nine-year tenure at Anfield," reads the article.
"The Saudis are eager for the Egyptian sensation to succeed Cristiano Ronaldo, who is considering walking away from his lucrative £3.35million-a-week Al Nassr contract after expressing dissatisfaction with the SPL's approach to transfer dealings.
"Ronaldo was upset to see former Real Madrid team-mate Karim Benzema given the green light to move from Al-Ittihad to Al Hilal last week and was absent from Monday's match against Al Riyadh.
"The mercurial forward has been warned by Saudi Pro League officials that no player will be allowed to influence decisions made by an independent transfer committee established to prevent clubs from overspending themselves into financial trouble.
"Reports suggest that the ex-Manchester United and Juventus striker will now aim to return to Europe to fulfil his ambition of reaching the coveted 1,000-goal milestone."
Tonali high on Man Utd shortlist
Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali is "high" on Manchester United’s shortlist this summer, according to the Telegraph.
It is no secret that The Red Devils are searching for midfield reinforcements, with Adam Wharton, Elliot Anderson and Carlos Baleba linked with a move to Old Trafford.
The Telegraph now claims Tonali is unsettled at Newcastle and is being monitored by chiefs at Man Utd.
"Manchester United have put Sandro Tonali high on their shortlist ahead of the summer midfield rebuild at Old Trafford," reads the article.
"The Italy midfielder, 25, is expected to be at the heart of another transfer saga at Newcastle United after his agent revealed last week that his client is considering his future.
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"While Juventus have concrete interest in bringing him back to Serie A, Tonali was also linked with Arsenal on transfer deadline day and Manchester City have monitored his progress. It is understood that he is high on the list of midfielders being considered at United, along with Elliot Anderson and Adam Wharton.
"Tonali is now firmly on their radar after his three seasons in the Premier League as they look at long-term options.
"Newcastle would stand to make a huge profit on the £55m they paid AC Milan in 2023, with the player now in his third season in English football, during which he also served a ban for breaching Italian betting regulations. During his ban he signed a new contract taking him to 2029 with the option of a further year.
"With central midfielders Enzo Fernandez, Moisés Caicedo and Declan Rice being bought for more than £100m each, Newcastle would be expected to receive a huge fee for Tonali."
Rashford to leave Man Utd this summer
Marcus Rashford will leave Manchester United for good this summer, claims a report in The Sun.
The England international has impressed during his time at Barcelona, who are said to be keen to keep him beyond his loan spell.
And the Spanish champions are said to be prepared to pay the £25 million option-to-buy clause.
The Sun writes: "Marcus Rashford is set to leave Manchester United for good this summer as Barcelona move to make his stay permanent.
"Just months into the season, both Barcelona’s sporting department and coaching staff are delighted with Rashford’s impact.
"According to reports in Spain the verdict inside the Nou Camp is unanimous, the club will activate his £25 million buy option.
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"There will be no negotiations with United, who are unwilling to knock even a single euro off the agreed fee.
"Barcelona view the price as a bargain in today’s inflated market, especially for a proven international forward.
"Unless Rashford suffers a major injury setback, the transfer will be completed in June.
"The 26-year-old is expected to sign a three-year contract at the Nou Camp."
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