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.
Manchester United interest 'receding' in Newcastle United target
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 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.
