Tottenham are the only club currently making a move to sign Sandro Tonali from Newcastle United, according to Fabrizio Romano.
Spurs have already done good business in the early stage of the summer transfer window, bringing in Andy Robertson, Marcos Senesi and Martin Dubravka on free transfers from Liverpool, Bournemouth and Burnley respectively.
They have also splashed out £52million on signing one of head coach Roberto De Zerbi's priority targets in Jan Paul van Hecke from his previous club Brighton & Hove Albion.
Newcastle have outlined their stance on a sale
The owners vowed to back the Italian with investment and they are certainly living up to that promise with a £75million bid having already been rejected by Newcastle for Tonali, as De Zerbi looks to improve his midfield options, having already got to work on his back line.
Newcastle are holding out for a fee in the region of £100million to sell the 26-year-old this summer, whom they paid £55million for in 2023. That is the total package required to sanction a deal, although some of that figure can be negotiated in add-ons.
GIVEMESPORT understands that the Spurs' first bid was worth a total package of £80million including add-ons, meaning they came up around £20million short.
A number of other clubs are keen on signing Tonali too, with Manchester City understood to be the most likely other bidders for his signature. However, they remain focused on signing Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest for now and that could leave the door open for Spurs to complete a deal for Tonali, before City even make their move.
Tonali is understood to be open to a move to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium which should help get a deal over the line quickly too, if Spurs can agree a fee with the Magpies.
Tottenham are the only team in the race to sign Tonali
Speaking on his YouTube channel, transfer expert Romano explained the situation with Spurs the only club involved in talks right now.
He said: "On Sandro Tonalli, I keep receiving many questions, many people mentioning Arsenal, many people mentioning Manchester City. 'What's going on with Tonali? Is he going to Tottenham as you say it or not?'
"I stand by my news from last week out of nowhere, exclusive news, Sandro Tonali, Tottenham, full stop.
"I keep mentioning Tottenham and Tonali, Tonali and Tottenham. I remain on my position. Tottenham are working on a deal to sign Sandro Tonali, and that remains the case. Deal on. Tottenham, Tonali.
"I'm not coming here mentioning Man City, I'm not coming here mentioning other clubs. Since I told you Tonali Tottenham last week, the other clubs are no longer mentioned by myself, at least, so let's follow the situation, but the deal is on."