Tottenham Hotspur are progressing in their pursuit of Sandro Tonali and have now reached a key agreement with the midfielder, according to reports in Italy.
Spurs have been strongly linked with a move for the Newcastle United midfielder this summer and saw an initial £75million bid rejected by the Magpies earlier this month.
GIVEMESPORT understands that Tottenham plan to return with an improved offer but Newcastle want a total package of £100million for the Italian in order to sanction a deal.
Sky Sports Italy have also reported that Tonali has already 'said yes' to Spurs and now it appears as though the Lilywhites have made a fresh breakthrough.
Spurs Agree Terms With Tonali
According to Italian outlet Sport Mediaset, Tonali has agreed a six-year contract with Tottenham worth €12million a year (£200,000-a-week), including bonuses. However, their reporter Orazio Accomando has added that there is yet to be an agreement between Newcastle and Spurs regarding a fee, but the north London outfit hope to have a deal wrapped up this week.
It is claimed that Tonali is earning £8million-a-year at Newcastle and so would be getting a significant pay rise at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Spurs now need to finalise an agreement with Newcastle over the fee and how it will be paid. GIVEMESPORT understands Tottenham are willing to increase their proposal to £85million with potential add-ons on top of that, which could convince Newcastle to sell.
The north Londoners face competition in the race to sign Tonali, with Manchester City also strongly linked with the 26-year-old, despite their agreement with Nottingham Forest to sign Elliot Anderson for £116million plus add-ons.
Roberto De Zerbi Leading Spurs Summer Spree
After a disastrous season last term which almost saw the Lilywhites relegated from the Premier League, Roberto De Zerbi is now leading a reshape of the squad he inherited.
Already, Tottenham have signed Jan Paul van Hecke for £52million from Brighton while Martin Dubravka, Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi have also arrived on free transfers.
GIVEMESPORT understands that Spurs want to make a statement signing this summer, which could be Tonali. However, they are also in talks with West Ham United over a deal for midfielder Mateus Fernandes who is also reportedly courting interest from Manchester United and Real Madrid, amongst others.
It will take more business this summer to guide Tottenham back towards the top end of the Premier League standings following back-to-back 17th-place finishes. They have made their intentions clear, though, and spending upwards of £80milliion on Tonali would be a serious statement of intent.