Sandro Tonali is believed to have agreed a personal package in principle with Tottenham Hotspur after talks with his agency GR Sports
Sandro Tonali is understood to have agreed personal terms in principle with Tottenham Hotspur following discussions with his representatives at GR Sports.
Should Spurs meet Newcastle's threshold with a formal bid, the transfer could be concluded within the next week or so. The Magpies turned down an £80million approach for Tonali earlier this month, instructing Tottenham to come back with an improved offer.
In contrast to the Bruno Guimaraes transfer saga, Spurs have at least progressed to the point of tabling a concrete bid for Tonali, rather than conducting solely informal discussions through intermediaries.
It has been a challenging summer for Newcastle's hierarchy, who are increasingly frustrated by information leaking from third parties. Nevertheless, the Tyneside club remain resolute in their transfer strategy, with a clear framework in place to complete business regardless of any financial constraints.
FOLLOW OUR TOTTENHAM FB PAGE! Latest Spurs news, analysis and much more via our dedicated Facebook page
What is beyond question, however, is that behind closed doors, a Tonali sale could unlock several opportunities for head coach Eddie Howe and sporting director Ross Wilson.
As revealed by Chronicle Live, while a transfer fee is yet to be finalised, the Italy international is understood to be targeting a six-year contract worth approximately £275,000 per week. Should he sign on those terms and remain at Spurs for the whole period, he could earn around £86million.
Tonali originally joined Newcastle for £55m back in 2023. The Magpies are holding firm for a £100million fee, which would see them nearly double their initial outlay to AC Milan three years ago. Spurs would be shattering their record transfer fee should they secure Tonali at Newcastle's asking price.
Their current record stands at £51.8m, paid to RB Leipzig for Xavi Simons last summer. Tottenham head coach Roberto De Zerbi is understood to share a close bond with agent Giuseppe Riso, who has never been shy about suggesting his client could be heading for the exit door at St James' Park.
Speaking back in March regarding a potential departure from Tyneside to the likes of 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 quizzed on whether Newcastle would sanction a Tonali sale this summer, chief executive David Hopkinson stated 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."