Newcastle United are already planning for the worst this summer, and have set their sights on a £60m star who could replace Sandro Tonali.

It’s been another summer for the Magpies to forget so far. It started with the departure of Anthony Gordon to Barcelona in a deal worth £69m and has since continued with Liverpool’s Victor Munoz hijack.

Now, matters could be about to become worse amid serious questions over Tonali’s future. Those on Tyneside have been forced to reject Tottenham Hotspur’s £75m offer and are holding out for £100m. If Spurs, or another club, can match that, then the writing will be on the wall for the Italian’s Newcastle career.

Without Tonali and Gordon, Eddie Howe will be without two of his most important players next season. At a time when he desperately needs results to turn in the next 12 months, that’s far from ideal.

The Magpies have remained stubborn over their asking price so far, but the latest transfer news suggests that the Lilywhites could be about to receive a huge boost.

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Newcastle targeting £60m Tonali replacement

It looks like those on Tyneside are already planning for the worst. According to the Daily Mail’s Craig Hope, Newcastle are now lining up a move to sign Kees Smit from AZ Alkmaar to replace Tonali this summer.

Howe and everyone else at St James’ Park are reportedly huge admirers of the £60m midfielder and will have cash to burn if Tottenham sign Tonali.

It’s positive news for the Lilywhites. Rumours that Newcastle are already looking to replace Tonali suggest that they’ve become resigned to losing their star man, handing Spurs a huge boost as talks continue.

25/26

Smit

Tonali

Minutes

2,138

2,543

Goals

3

0

Tackles

38

35

Recoveries

132

147

Chances created

37

32

Cashing in on Tonali may not be a bad thing for Newcastle, either, as it turns out. They could land a 20-year-old star who outperformed the Italian in a number of areas last season all whilst pocketing another major fee. Smit even has the potential to exceed Tonali.

If the young Dutchman is available for Newcastle to sign this summer, then Tonali’s exit would work for all parties.

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