David Hopkinson has answered Sandro Tonali transfer question at Newcastle United amid £85m Spurs links

Tottenham Hotspur are linked with an £85million move for Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali.

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Newcastle United want to keep Sandro Tonali but would sanction a big-money sale on their terms.

One high-profile exit has already been sanction as Anthony Gordon headed to Barcelona for £70million plus add-ons ahead of the World Cup. This is a change in tack from the damaging saga that derailed the summer transfer window 12 months ago.

Last year, the Magpies were held to ransom by a sulking superstar who refused to train or play. Alexander Isak was granted his wish on deadline day and has been dealt a deadly dose of karma since.

His debut season at Liverpool was a nightmare - with more injuries than goals across all competitions. Toon chiefs desperately wanted to avoid an Isak repeat - and have done so by securing Gordon’s swift departure.

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Sandro Tonali transfer saga

Barcelona pipped Bayern Munich to the post and Newcastle will pocket a tidy sum in return. Attention now switches to Tonali, the subject of intense speculation all season.

His agent, Beppe Riso, has publicly stated on several occasions that a summer switch is likely. The Gazette reported in March that Tonali’s camp believe he has a gentleman’s agreement to leave if Newcastle do not secure European football.

Tottenham Hotspur have emerged as a potential destination in recent days. It is understood that the player’s family are warming to a move to London - irrespective of Spurs finishing 17th for two consecutive seasons.

Roberto De Zerbi is planning a major rebuild at Tottenham to reinvigorate a stuttering squad. Tonali has been identified as the man to spearhead a new-look engine room - but he will not come cheap.

Newcastle have placed a steeper price tag on Tonali than Gordon. The Magpies rate the Italian as one of Europe’s best midfielders who could fetch in closer to the £90million mark.

Likewise with Gordon, if any potential suitor stumps up his valuation, Newcastle would permit his exit. His price tag rules out Serie A clubs, with Arsenal and both Manchester clubs also linked in recent months.

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David Hopkinson open to sale

In March, Newcastle CEO David Hopkinson publicly vowed there will never be another “Isak-like scenario” on Tyneside - a man of his word given recent events. He told reporters: “We think through what players might or might not want to do this summer.

“But if an Isak-like scenario presents itself again, any player under contract is going to leave on our terms and we’re going to maximise the opportunity that might represent for the club. Going forward, our strategy is to buy well and sell well.”