Sandro Tonali eyes Tottenham transfer with Newcastle exodus a major threat

Newcastle star Sandro Tonali has already given his green light to join Tottenham Hotspur, talkSPORT understands.

Broad terms between the Italian and Spurs are in place as club-to-club talks continue.

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The Magpies have already rebuffed a Spurs bid for Tonali, which was understood to be in the region of £75m-80million, as they seek a fee in excess of £100m.

News of Tonali’s interest in moving to north London adds to what could be a difficult summer for Newcastle given Arsenal are eyeing up Bruno Guimaraes.

It is understood the Magpies skipper is pushing to join the Premier League champions, although the Gunners are yet to approach Newcastle.

talkSPORT also understands there’s a growing list of unsettled players in the Newcastle camp this summer.

Why do Spurs want Tonali?

Tonali is one of Spurs’ leading transfer targets going into the new season.

It is understood Spurs boss Roberto De Zerbi is driving the move for Tonali, who only joined Newcastle in July 2023 from AC Milan.

However, Tottenham are expected to face stiff competition in the race for Tonali’s signature.

Reigning Premier League champions Arsenal have previously explored a move for the Italian while Manchester City continue to be linked. Tonali is also interested in a return to AC Milan.

City have already shown their willingness to invest having had two bids rejected for Nottingham Forest star Elliot Anderson, who is their top midfield target.

The last bid for Anderson totalled an eye-watering £121m, but Forest remain keen to hold out for a fee that will surpass the £125m Liverpool paid Newcastle for Alexander Isak last summer.

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Anderson has made it clear he wants to join City, who are without a manager following Pep Guardiola’s departure.

Which other players are on Spurs’ radar this summer?

As for Spurs, Tonali isn’t the only name on their midfield shortlist.

talkSPORT understands the north London outfit have made enquiries over West Ham star Mateus Fernandes.

The 21-year-old appears destined for a move elsewhere following the Hammers’ relegation to the Championship.

West Ham aren’t willing to let Fernandes go on the cheap, with the midfielder valued at £80m by the club, despite their second tier status and a need to sell.

Who have Spurs already signed?

It’s already been a busy summer for Spurs, with Andy Robertson, Marcos Senesi, Jan Paul van Hecke and Martin Dubravka all arriving.

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Robertson, Senesi and Dubravka will both link up on free transfers once their contracts with Liverpool, Bournemouth and Burnley respectively expire.

Van Hecke’s move was confirmed on June 16, with Spurs forking out £52m for the centre-back.

But before Robertso, Senesi and Van Hecke can link up with their new teammates, they all have the small matter of the World Cup to worry about.

Robertson is leading Scotland in their first World Cup appearance since 1998, although it hasn’t quite gone to plan as they’re on the brink of a group stage exit.

As for Senesi, he was brought into the Argentina squad as an injury replacement.

Van Hecke will hope to be part of the first Netherlands squad to ever win the tournament having previously finished as runners-up on three occasions.