Tottenham Hotspur have wasted no time in getting their summer transfer business under way as Roberto De Zerbi looks to have an immediate impact on the squad he inherited back in March.
The Italian guided Spurs to Premier League safety following a 1-0 win over Everton on the final day of last season. Now, Tottenham fans will expect improved fortunes on the back of a miserable season and two consecutive 17th place finishes in the Premier League.
Already, the Lilywhites have captured the signings of defenders Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi on free transfers from Liverpool and Bournemouth respectively and have seen key player Pedro Porro commit his long-term future to the club by signing a new contract until 2031.
Spurs have also seen two bids rejected by Brighton and Hove Albion for centre-back Jan Paul van Hecke while Manchester City and Eintracht Frankfurt wingers Savinho and Jean-Matteo Bahoya have been linked in recent days.
It does seem as though they will be in the market for a new midfielder after the expiry of Joao Palhinha's loan deal from Bayern Munich, and the latest player to be subject of interest from Tottenham is Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali.
Tottenham hold 'positive talks' with Tonali
According to David Ornstein, Spurs have held 'positive talks' with the midfielder and his representatives but there is yet to be any contact with Newcastle regarding the possibility of a deal this summer.
It has also been reported that 'the transfer fee is considered to be a bigger challenge' for Tottenham than agreeing terms with the player.
The Italian has frequently been compared to his fellow countryman Andrea Pirlo throughout his career, with Newcastle manager Eddie Howe admitting there are 'definite links' between Tonali and the Italy legend. He has also been labelled as 'world class' in the past.
Over the course of three seasons on Tyneside, Tonali has become an integral part of Howe's Newcastle and made 53 appearances across all competitions last term, missing just five matches.
The 26-year-old boasts an engine and work rate that any team in the Premier League would want in their ranks.
Tonali would be a statement signing for Spurs
Tottenham have already brought in two big names from the Premier League this summer in Robertson and Senesi but the addition of Tonali would be a real statement.
Spurs need to replace the departed Joao Palhinha with it looking likely that the Portuguese midfielder won't be returning to north London on a permanent basis following his loan from Bayern Munich. In fact, reports suggest he is close to a permanent switch to Sporting Lisbon.
Tottenham reportedly opted against triggering a £26million option to buy, hoping they could land the midfielder at a reduced price. Now they risk missing out on him altogether and subsequently having to seek an alternative.
Palhinha was a key figure in getting De Zerbi's team over the line at the back end of last season and will leave behind a noticeable gap, one that could certainly be filled by a midfielder with the stamina and talent of Tonali.