Tottenham Hotspur have made a £75 million bid for Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali, according to Sky Sport Italy. The offer has been met with a counter-demand of £85 million from Newcastle, though reports suggest an £80 million agreement could be reached within days.
Spurs intensify pursuit after earlier approaches
Spurs stepped up their efforts to sign the Italy international earlier this week, having already contacted Tonali's representatives to discuss a potential move to Roberto De Zerbi's side. Arsenal, Manchester United and Manchester City have also shown interest in the 26-year-old. Despite previous approaches, Newcastle had not been formally approached until now.
De Zerbi's long-standing admiration
De Zerbi has been a huge admirer of Tonali since the start of the midfielder's career at Brescia. 'I wanted to bring Tonali to Sassuolo, if I'd stayed, after his first year at AC Milan,' De Zerbi said during his time at Brighton. 'I said, “maybe they'll fall for it and I'll bring him here”. I saw him at Brescia and thought he was the player he proved to be.' The manager sees Tonali as a key part of his Spurs squad.
Newcastle's firm stance
Newcastle signed Tonali from AC Milan for £55 million three years ago and agreed a new contract during his 10-month gambling ban, keeping him at St James' Park until 2029. The club has informed Tonali's representatives that they will not sell unless their asking price is met. Reports earlier this week suggested Newcastle believe Spurs' interest was made public to flush out an offer from Arsenal, who tried to sign Tonali in the January transfer window.
