Newcastle United have rebuffed a second bid from Tottenham Hotspur for Sandro Tonali this week, but the midfielder has already agreed to a huge new salary in North London.
The Magpies want £100m for the Italian, but Spurs’ second bid reached just £75m and was rejected instantly.
Tottenham’s leadership have vowed to win back support from fans by backing manager Roberto De Zerbi this summer, even pausing their search for a new sporting director to focus on signings.
“The club has confidence in our people, but if we find someone who can complement our existing team and make it better, we will do that at the right time (and in a summer window is not that time),” said chief executive Vinai Venkatesham.
“No-one has been in a process and turned us down. Many names in the media linked with us, we have never even spoken to.”
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Football FanCast’s Verdict |
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Credibility |
Tonali himself kickstarted the uncertainty over his future when his agents publicly confirmed a desire to move on way back in February. Newcastle – having already been through this ordeal last summer with Alexander Isak – will not allow a wantaway player to leave on the cheap, but Tottenham’s interest is extremely serious having made two bids already. |
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Finances |
Tonali’s price tag is believed to be at least £100m, which would be a record deal for Tottenham. He makes £8m per year in the North East and would be in line for a pay rise should he move to one of the league’s ‘big six’. |
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Scouting |
Former Spurs man Alan Hutton believes the former Milan star would bring vital leadership to the club: “I think that’s probably what’s been missing, leaders and quality, especially in the middle of the pitch where a guy who can get on the ball and make something happen.” |
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Impact |
Tonali’s arrival would likely seal the exit of Lucas Bergvall. The 20 year-old Sweden international has told Tottenham he wants to leave this summer, and could bank the club a hefty fee to reinvest in new signings. |
Their focus has shifted from defence to midfield in recent weeks, having already locked up deals for Martin Dubravka, Andy Robertson, Marcos Senesi and Jan Paul van Hecke.
Tonali sends vow to Tottenham manager De Zerbi
According to Sky Italy journalist Di Marzio, translated by Sport Witness, Tonali has given the Spurs manager his word that he will join this summer.
Despite interest from other clubs, the 26 year-old wants to ‘honour his word’ and is trying hard to convince the Magpies to accept a deal.
Di Marzio’s colleagues in Italy also claim a salary has been agreed already, with the North Londoners agreeing to take his yearly pay from £8m per year all the way up to £13m.
Paul Scholes’ special praise for Tonali
Tonali has already established himself as one of the best midfielders in the Premier League, and Paul Scholes has even claimed he would take the Italy international over Arsenal star Declan Rice.
“I really like Declan Rice and I think he’s got everything, I just think too many times he takes too many touches of the ball,” Scholes told The Overlap’s fan debate show last season.
“I think he tries to look a little bit more stylish than he needs to do. He’s got the physical attributes, I think he can be box to box, he can score goals, I just don’t think he does it enough.
Spurs are also working to sign West Ham star Mateus Fernandes, who could be the perfect partner for Tonali next season.
Fabrizio Romano: Spurs now ready to sign Tonali’s perfect partner ASAP
Spurs could have a new-look midfield partnership this summer under Roberto De Zerbi.
