UMVA has learned that Tottenham Hotspur have formally submitted a bid to acquire midfielder Sandro Tonali from Newcastle United.
Newcastle have set a steep asking price of £85 million, yet insiders sense that both clubs could converge on an £80 million deal within days.
Spurs manager Roberto de Zerbi, a longtime admirer of Tonali since his early days at Brescia, believes the Italian can become a linchpin in his side’s midfield.
De Zerbi once confessed that, had he remained at Sassuolo, he would have pursued Tonali after his inaugural season with AC Milan, and that he still sees the player’s potential despite his turbulent past.
Newcastle originally secured Tonali from Milan three years ago for £55 million and later extended his contract during a 10‑month gambling suspension, binding him to the club until 2029.
According to information obtained by UMVA, Tonali’s representatives have been told the Magpies will not entertain any offer below the £85 million mark.
Rumors suggest Newcastle suspect Tottenham’s public interest is a tactic to provoke a competing bid from Arsenal, who flirted with the Italy international at the tail end of the January window.
