Newcastle United could soon be saying farewell to Sandro Tonali after the player agreed a deal with Spurs in principle
Sandro Tonali is believed to have agreed a personal package in principle with Tottenham Hotspur after talks with his agency GR Sports.
If Spurs reach Newcastle's tipping point in terms of an official bid, the deal could be processed in the next week or so. The Magpies rejected an £80million offer for Tonali earlier this month and were told to return with a higher bid.
Unlike the Bruno Guimaraes transfer saga, Spurs have at least made it to the table with a concrete offer for Tonali rather than sole chats through intermediaries.
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In what has been a tough summer so far for Newcastle club chiefs are frustrated by leaks coming from third parties. But Newcastle are determined to stick to their transfer plans, and have a process in place to get deals done regardless of financial restrictions.
However, there is no doubt behind the scenes that Tonali's sale could open up a few doors for head coach Eddie Howe and sporting director Ross Wilson.
And while a fee is yet to be agreed, Tonali is understood to be keen on a six-year deal worth around £275,000 per week for the Italy star who signed for £55m in 2023.
Newcastle are keen to hold out for £100m and come close to doubling the price they paid for him to AC Milan three years ago.
Spurs would be smashing their record transfer fee if they sign Tonali at the price Newcastle are asking. They paid £51.8m for Xavi Simons from RB Leipzig last summer.
Tottenham boss Roberto De Zerbi is believed to have a close relationship with Giuseppe Riso and his agent has never shied away from suggesting he could quit Newcastle.
Speaking in March, Riso asked on a possible exit from Tyneside to potentially Arsenal or Manchester City, Riso said: “Exactly, that was the goal from the moment he went to England – to try to make him a star player. I think he’s the Italian footballer with one of the highest values in the world.
"The deal came about because a club like Newcastle, with unlimited financial resources, had decided to invest in Sandro. We considered the idea of having the player play in a higher-level league."
When asked if Newcastle would sell Tonali this summer, CEO David Hopkinson said three months ago: "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."