Tottenham Hotspur could offer players in a swap deal as the club pursue Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali
Tottenham Hotspur may have multiple options to help satisfy Newcastle United's valuation of Sandro Tonali. The Italian midfielder has become an ambitious target for Roberto De Zerbi's outfit.
Spurs have hit the ground running with their summer overhaul, securing Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi as free agents while wrapping up a deal for Brighton's Jan Paul van Hecke. Tonali would represent a statement signing for Spurs, who are said to be battling Manchester City, Manchester United and Arsenal for his services.
Tottenham tabled an £80million offer for the 26-year-old, which was turned down by Newcastle. It is claimed that the Magpies are holding out for a fee closer to £100m.
The Daily Mail reports that Tonali is keen to explore his options this summer, signalling the player's openness to leaving St James' Park. While Newcastle are demanding a substantial fee, Spurs could opt to match the club's asking price by including players in a swap deal. Here are three stars who could potentially help Spurs secure one of their top targets while gaining a new opportunity at Newcastle.
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Guglielmo Vicario
Goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario has been linked with an exit from Spurs this summer. The 29-year-old has been tipped with a move back to Italy, though Newcastle could also be in the market for a new keeper.
Eddie Howe's outfit have already secured French prospect Ewen Jaouen but could still be seeking a more experienced alternative. ChronicleLive has reported that Nick Pope's future is in doubt and Vicario would help address Newcastle's goalkeeping dilemma.
The Italy international played 31 league games for Spurs last campaign but picked up an injury late in the season, giving Antonin Kinsky the chance to shine during his absence. While Spurs would need to find Vicario's replacement, approving a switch to Newcastle could suit all concerned if Tonali also heads in the other direction.
Lucas Bergvall
Lucas Bergvall would provide Newcastle with an immediate solution to Tonali's departure. The 20-year-old midfielder was starved of consistent game time last season but had previously caught the eye at Spurs.
The Athletic reported that Bergvall has informed Tottenham of his desire to leave this summer after slipping down the hierarchy under De Zerbi. However, the Sweden international could soon flourish once more in new surroundings.
Newcastle have been formidable in central midfield for several years and Bergvall could ensure that continues even after Tonali's departure. The former Spurs supporters' player of the year would inject fresh energy into Howe's squad, while his youth could also see Newcastle bank a substantial profit down the line.
Richarlison
Newcastle's attacking options proved a persistent headache throughout last season. Alexander Isak's summer transfer saga was finally resolved on deadline day and the Magpies missed out on several targets before bringing in Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa.
Woltemade began promisingly but subsequently suffered lengthy barren spells, finishing his debut Premier League campaign with eight goals. Wissa, meanwhile, managed just a single league goal following his switch from Brentford.
Should Newcastle opt to overhaul their forward line once more, Richarlison could be a shrewd squad addition. The 29-year-old would back his chances of becoming the main striker at Newcastle, while simultaneously offering William Osula a clear route to establishing himself as the first-choice number nine following his prolific run of form towards the end of last season.