Tottenham Hotspur have opened talks with Newcastle United over a potential summer move for midfielder Sandro Tonali, according to David Ornstein of The Athletic.
The 26-year-old Italian international has attracted significant interest from the Premier League, with Manchester City also emerging as serious contenders for his signature.
Both Tottenham and Manchester City are currently in talks with Tonali’s representatives, though Spurs appear to have made the earlier progress in negotiations with the player’s camp.
Tottenham are hoping to convince the midfielder with a lucrative salary package as they look to strengthen their options in central midfield ahead of the new season.
The Italian is expected to cost in the region of £100 million, making this one of the most significant transfer pursuits in the Premier League this summer.
Tottenham need a quality defensive midfielder capable of controlling games from deep and providing protection to their backline, a role Tonali has performed with distinction at Newcastle.
The Italian international has demonstrated his quality in the Premier League during his time at St James’ Park, and there is little doubt he has the pedigree to improve Spurs considerably.
Manchester City’s interest stems from their need for additional cover for Rodri, who remains the only specialist defensive midfielder at the club and cannot realistically play every fixture.
The chance to play Champions League football could give Manchester City an advantage in negotiations, as Tonali weighs up his options at what is a pivotal stage in his career.
Tottenham have already been active in the transfer market this summer, securing multiple signings, and a deal for Tonali would represent one of the biggest moves of their window.
Newcastle will be determined to drive a hard bargain given Tonali’s importance to the club, and neither Tottenham nor Manchester City will find it straightforward to reach an agreement.
It remains to be seen whether Spurs can use their head start in talks to wrap up a deal before City intensify their pursuit of the highly rated midfielder.
