NUFC Blog

Newcastle United issued a swift and decisive rejection to Tottenham Hotspur last week as they made a bid for Sandro Tonali.

According to Sky Sports' Keith Downie, Tottenham Hotspur made a bid of around £75 million plus add-ons for the Italian on Wednesday, which was quickly rejected by Newcastle.

The bid is below what Newcastle feel Sandro Tonali is worth, and as David Hopkinson outlined earlier this year, any deals for our big players will be on our terms.

Newcastle's actual valuation of Sandro Tonali fluctuates by source, but it's believed to be between £90 million and £100 million.

Newcastle and Tottenham remain in talks

A report by The Daily Mail puts the figure closer to the £100 million mark, and they also believe Spurs are not put off by the initial rejection.

They claim that talks are ongoing and also confirm that Manchester City are watching on with interest, although the story remains that they are focused on Elliot Anderson first and foremost.

Given that Newcastle signed Tonali for £55 million, if they were able to get nearly £100 million after three years at the club, that has to be seen as a good bit of business.

If we have to lose Tonali, then at least we're going to get paid

Granted, one of those three years was pretty costly as he was unavailable due to his 10-month ban, but to almost double our money while still getting a couple of good seasons out of him is definitely good business.

This is how I'm choosing to cope with the idea of losing Tonali, anyway. I'd personally prefer him to stay and rediscover his form from the 2024/25 season, but a big payday on top of the one we already got for Anthony Gordon should make up for it.

Of course, that counts for nothing if we can't convince the players we're tracking to join us over our rivals. We've already lost Victor Munoz to Liverpool, and no doubt we'll be going up against other clubs of a similar stature with our other transfer targets. We need to nail our sales pitch.

Sandro Tonali has been linked with Tottenham Hotspur for much of the last week.

Newcastle United's Italian midfielder has been the subject of plenty of transfer speculation for months now, but the links to Tottenham Hotspur seem very strong.

Since the news broke that Spurs were interested, it somehow felt different to the constant Manchester United and Arsenal links, and now it looks as though we were right to be concerned.

Even though Tottenham have had a massive fall from grace in the last couple of seasons, there's a strange feeling in the air that they are due a revival under Roberto De Zerbi, and Sandro Tonali could become a huge part of that.

Newcastle have rejected an £80m bid for Sandro Tonali

Now Keith Downie has reported via X that Spurs have made a move for Tonali, placing an £80 million bid this week.

Downie reports that Newcastle rejected the bid immediately, but other reports have claimed that talks are still ongoing, with The Athletic's David Ornstein confirming the rumours. Keith Downie's post on X also claims that Manchester City are keen on the Italian.

"EXCL: Newcastle United have REJECTED an offer of around £80m from Tottenham for Sandro Tonali.

"Spurs’ offer for Tonali landed earlier this week and was knocked back by Newcastle — immediately.

"Man City are also very keen on the midfielder, but are prioritising their move for former Newcastle man Elliot Anderson.

"Formal contact between Spurs and Newcastle, as reported by @David_Ornstein"

Newcastle are ready to rinse Tottenham for Tonali

We suspect this is only going to be the beginning of this saga, and it will end with Sandro Tonali leaving Newcastle.

It feels likely that Tottenham will be the destination, as Man City are confident that they will land their priority target of Elliot Anderson.

We're pleased to see Newcastle reject an £80 million bid, though. If we have to lose Tonali, we want to make sure we're getting top dollar for him and that should be at least £90 million.

Sandro Tonali is the subject of many a transfer rumour right now, with the Newcastle United midfielder being strongly linked to Tottenham Hotspur.

The Italy international's future has been the subject of plenty of reports since February, when a winter deadline-day move to Arsenal was mooted in the media.

Since then, Tonali's agent has done little to quell the fears that the 26-year-old is looking for a move elsewhere, though Tonali himself has made no noises to suggest he's unhappy at Newcastle.

We can never be sure what's been said behind the scenes. Eddie Howe kept everyone in the dark about the truth around Alexander Isak last year, so while we're being told Tonali isn't agitating for a move, we can't take that as gospel.

Alan Shearer doesn't see the sense in Tonali moving to Spurs

Plenty of reports claim that Sandro Tonali wants to leave Newcastle, and since Spurs came to the fore, some outlets are adamant that it's almost a foregone conclusion - mainly because they have an Italian manager now.

Regardless of the links, former Newcastle striker Alan Shearer has told Betfair (via Newcastle World) that he doesn't believe a move to Tottenham would make sense for Tonali right now, though he wouldn't stand in his way if he wants to leave.

“Tottenham just avoided relegation. I get the attraction of London but going to Spurs - who have finished so low over the last two years - would be a surprise career move for Tonali in my eyes. But I'm not surprised if it's true that he's made an indication that he wants to leave Newcastle.

“Again, if he doesn't want to be there, you put the price you want and if someone wants to pay it, and it looks as if it'll have to be three figures, then you say thank you very much, get the £100million plus and you move on.

“I know Spurs have a new manager and that may be a pull for him, London obviously. But in terms of the football club, look where they have finished the last two years.”

Spurs could be a surprise package next season if they get Sandro Tonali

Shearer has been pretty vocal about Newcastle moving players on who don't want to be at the club, and we fully back that sentiment. We can also totally see the logic behind what he's saying about Tonali and Spurs.

However, look at what they're doing in the transfer window already. They are throwing money left, right and centre, clearly desperate to avoid a third season of mediocrity, and landing Tonali would really help them in that cause.

The more the summer goes on, the less confident we are that Sandro Tonali will be at Newcastle come August 23rd when Liverpool come to St James' Park.

What matters most is that we use whatever money we get for him to find a suitable replacement or two.

Newcastle United are being linked with a move for FC Köln winger Said El Mala once again after the move for Victor Munoz collapsed.

Liverpool hijacked Newcastle's move for the 22-year-old Spanish winger after everything looked to be in place for a switch to Tyneside.

Now, Newcastle must continue down their list of wingers to find another target, and according to some reports, FC Köln's 19-year-old German international Saïd El Mala is a potential target.

Newcastle won't get a free hit at the youngster, though, as Tottenham Hotspur are supposedly keen and are willing to meet the bizarre demand that Brentford refused when their move for El Mala fell apart.

Spurs bowing down to El Mala demands?

According to TEAMtalk, any deal for Saïd El Mala must also include a move for his older brother, Malek El Mala, who is also at FC Köln.

Malek is a 21-year-old striker who failed to make a single appearance for the German side last season, but as the El Mala brothers are represented by their parents, it seems they come as a package deal or not at all. Brentford chose the latter, but apparently Spurs are willing to take the duo.

Newcastle's name has been mentioned as being interested by ontheminute.com, who claim that Newcastle will launch a bid for Saïd El Mala in today's 'exclusive', but they fail to mention Malek.

Saïd El Mala is valued at €50 million (£43m), but we aren't sure if Malek comes as part of the package or if any willing club would have to throw more money at the deal to get him too.

Newcastle may be interested in Said El Mala

Newcastle have been linked with Saïd El Mala a few times, so we do believe there is some interest there, and it has been reported elsewhere that Brentford pulled out of the deal for Saïd El Mala because they didn't want Malek.

Whether it's true that Spurs are going to meet those crazy demands or whether Newcastle are ready to launch a bid for El Mala, we aren't so convinced. TEAMtalk aren't exactly known for their reliability, and this is literally the first time we've ever heard of On The Minute, so we're not sure how they've managed to get hold of an exclusive.

Right now, keep that sodium chloride handy. Newcastle will be linked with wingers aplenty after the Munoz deal fell through; some will be names we've already heard before, and there are likely ot be some new names too.

We'll keep on top of the rumours and give our opinion on the validity as always, but if the Munoz move (and pretty much everything from last summer) has taught us anything, it's that we shouldn't get too excited until we see the player holding the shirt.

Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali looks set for a move away from St James' Park this summer, but where he ends up is still very much up for debate.

Tottenham Hotspur were thought to be leading the way at one point before Manchester City came to the fore. It looks as though Arsenal and Manchester United have moved on to other targets, however.

Spurs are undergoing a big rebuild under Roberto De Zerbi, and Sandro Tonali would be a huge piece of that if they were able to meet Newcastle's demands.

Fabrizio 'Dream Smasher' Romano is at it again

Fabrizio Romano was the man who broke the news of Spurs' interest in Tonali, and now the Italian journalist has made big claims that the 26-year-old wants the move to London, as covered on his YouTube channel.

This comes after breaking the news that Liverpool had hijacked Newcastle's move for Victor Munoz too, making for a pretty brutal 24 hours.

Romano insists that the financials involved won't be a problem in terms of Tonali's contract, and talks up his link to De Zerbi, who is also from Brescia. However, the one hurdle will be the price tag, with Newcastle demanding over £85m.

“So first of all, Tottenham are in conversations with Sandro Tonali's camp, Second, Sandro Tonali wants to go to Tottenham and so he's keen on the move, and I don't think it's going to be any problem with the player financially or in terms of contract.

“Also because the connection with De Zerbi is very clear. They are both from Brescia, same city, so the connection is very good. And also important to mention on this one about Sandro Tonali, soon Tottenham will reach out to Newcastle to start conversations.

“Then the price is going to be the point, let's see. I think the expectation is going be around €100million [£86.5million], maybe something more as initial request and then let's see the conversation.

“But De Zerbi is pushing and so let's wait for the club-to-club negotiation, but Tottenham are in it."

Tonali and De Zerbi links a stretch?

The idea that Sandro Tonali and Roberto De Zerbi have a connection because they are from the same town feels a bit desperate. I grew up near where Sir Bobby Robson is from, but I never knew the man. Tonali and De Zerbi have never worked together; they might not even get on, for all we know. This clutching at straws to sell the story reeks of a man pushing the story.

That being said, we do believe that the interest is genuine and that Tonali would be open to the move, although if Manchester City pursue their interest, that could throw a spanner in the works for Spurs.

Either way, it's starting to look inevitable that the Italian will be playing elsewhere next season. If Newcastle can secure a replacement, without Liverpool sniping them, then we will get over it.

Newcastle United are facing the prospect of losing midfielder Sandro Tonali over the summer, with Tottenham Hotspur emerging as the frontrunners for his signature.

Spurs have come out of nowhere to suddenly be the talk of the Toon as potential suitors for Tonali.

Arsenal and Manchester United have both blown hot and cold when it comes to making a move for the Italian, whereas all early signs with Tottenham indicate a strong interest and real belief that they can sign the 26-year-old.

Tonali won't come cheap for Spurs, though. Newcastle have him under contract until 2030, so can pretty much name their price for the Italian international.

Gabby Agbonlahor doesn't see Sandro Tonali going to Tottenham

After finishing 17th in the last two seasons, Tottenham are in dire need of a restructuring, and they look to be doing just that; however, talkSPORT's Gabby Agbonlahor doesn't believe it will be enough and questions whether Tonali would actually be open to a move to Spurs.

“Why would Tonali want to go to a top 17 side? They are not a top-six side anymore, Spurs. They are really not.

“Back-to-back seasons finishing 17th in the league, I just do not get it and I think he is probably saying to his agent, ‘I beg your pardon, who are interested? Pardon? I thought I was going to a big European side playing Champions League football. Do me a favour, I would not go to Spurs.’”

Surely Spurs won't be that poor again?

While I can see where Agbonlahor is coming from, there's a part of me that feels that Roberto De Zerbi, with the right players through the door this summer, can transform Tottenham back into a top side. It may not be an immediate return to the top six, but if they land Tonali along with Jan Paul Van Hecke, Marcos Senesi and Andy Robertson, plus one or two more, then they will be well set for a much better season.

The Premier League is becoming far less predictable lately, so it's hard to say with any degree of certainty how a side is going to do in a given season, especially this far away from the start.

We have absolutely no idea how Newcastle will fare next season because we don't have a clue what our squad is going to look like. We expect it's going to be full of names that many people won't even have heard of before they were linked with us.

That could go either way come May, but it's going to be interesting, that's for sure. As is this summer, seeing who we manage to keep hold of and who we let go.

Newcastle United had previously shown an interest in Brighton defender Jan Paul Van Hecke, but it looks as though the Dutch centre-back is now off to Tottenham Hotspur.

Spurs are on a mission to rebuild their squad after a couple of woeful seasons and have already moved to scoop up free agents Marcos Senesi from Bournemouth and Liverpool's Andy Robertson.

Now it looks as though Brighton's Van Hecke is heading to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for around £55 million, which is an astonishing deal for Brighton.

In fact, journalist Dimitris Manakos has broken down just how good a deal this is for the Seagulls on X.

With Spurs potentially in for Sandro Tonali, Newcastle should be able to bang out a hugely beneficial deal if Spurs were this desperate for Van Hecke.

How has Brighton done this?

According to Manakos, Brighton have delivered a masterclass in negotiating.

"Brighton have just delivered a masterclass in negotiation with Jan Paul van Hecke.

"Player wanted to leave

"Rejected three contract offers

"Had just one year left on his deal

"Yet Brighton still managed to: Secure a fee of almost £55m. Include a 20% sell-on clause. Control the terms of the deal from start to finish.

"A player heading towards free agency has become the club’s 5th most expensive sale ever. Another case study in smart football business from Tony Bloom and Brighton."

David Hopkinson needs to channel his inner Tony Bloom

Brighton are famously good negotiators, and they have probably outdone themselves here, but if Spurs were willing to bend to all of that nonsense for a player with a year left on his deal, Newcastle should be primed to exploit their desperation when it comes to Tonali.

Sandro Tonali has four years left on his deal at Newcastle and, despite noises coming from those around him, hasn't indicated to the club that he wants to leave, although it's likely he is open to it if we're being realistic.

As Elliot Anderson's price reaches £130 million, Newcastle should be easily pushing for £100m for Tonali with a nice sell-on clause in there for good measure.

David Hopkinson insists that big sales will be on our terms; well, it's time to go all Tony Bloom and make sure that our terms are really our terms.

Tottenham Hotspur are the talk of the Toon right now as the underachieving London club look to arrest their slide into obscurity by swooping for Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali.

Spurs have had a couple of disastrous seasons, but following their great escape, masterminded by Italian coach Roberto De Zerbi, there's a renewed sense of belief around Tottenham.

De Zerbi has already snapped up Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi on free transfers, while they are just about to seal a £52m move for former Newcastle target Jan Paul Van Hecke.

Their rebuild could continue with the signing of Sandro Tonali from Newcastle, but it's a move that certainly won't come cheap.

Newcastle want £90m for Sandro Tonali

Newcastle have been preparing for Tonali's potential exit this summer, but the Magpies hold all the cards as the Italian is under contract until 2030 and there's no way Ross Wilson is going to let Tonali go for a song.

Indeed, TalkSPORT has claimed that Newcastle will demand £90 million for the 26-year-old, which will certainly bolster Wilson's coffers for his own summer rebuild.

Replacing Tonali will be the tricky part, as he's quite a unique player in that he's almost a jack of all trades, master of none, but he's a damn good jack.

With the proposed move of Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest to Manchester City leaping towards the £130m mark, Newcastle will feel emboldened by the figures being quoted and will feel that £90m is a fair price for Tonali.

Lamine Camara to replace Tonali?

The fact that Newcastle have been planning for this eventuality suggests that they will have a good list of potential replacements already in mind.

Lamine Camara is one that has been linked for a while now and would be a good replacement, and should cost way less than the £90m we'll bring in for Sandro, with Monaco asking £43m. A 10% chunk of the profits of Tonali's sale will go to AC Milan, who had a sell-on clause in his £55m move.

We're trying to take the emotion out of these types of moves and looking at them as an opportunity to bring in new talent, but losing Tonali is going to sting for me, personally. Not sure the rest of the Blog lot agree with me though.

Sandro Tonali's Newcastle United future is under the microscope once again after links with Arsenal and Manchester United started to die down.

On Monday night, Fabrizio Romano claimed that Tottenham Hotspur were about to enter the race for the Italian midfielder.

Roberto De Zerbi apparently wants Tonali to lead his Spurs revolution after saving Tottenham from the drop last season.

The 26-year-old is apparently open to the move, according to Romano, and the Italian journalist has doubled down on his claims on his YouTube channel.

Fabrizio Romano has doubled down on Tonali claims

Romano claims that the project at Tottenham appeals to Sandro Tonali, and despite all of their struggles in recent seasons, he could be tempted by the move.

"Sandro Tonali is open to joining Tottenham. Sandro Tonali is ready to join Spurs even without European football, even after a terrible season for Tottenham Hotspur, Tonali is attracted by the project, and he wants to play for Roberto De Zerbi.

"The possibility to see Sandro Tonali at Tottenham is really serious; it's really concrete."

Tonali to Spurs makes too much sense

As the Blog's resident Tonali lover, I didn't want to entertain the idea of Tonali leaving this summer, and I was quite calm on the Arsenal and Man United rumours, but for some reason, this Spurs one feels like a worry.

Tonali just seems like a Spurs-type player, and them having an Italian coach just adds to the appeal. Moreover, the whole London thing will definitely come into play. We can see Mrs T wanting to move to the bright lights of the capital, and Sandro will likely be quite keen on that too.

The Tonali family have looked very settled in the North East, and he clearly loves being here, but Spurs ticks a lot of boxes. The stadium, the 'Big Six' appeal, an Italian coach, a practically guaranteed spot in the starting XI that he may not have got at Man United or Arsenal. This one has me worried.

If Newcastle can get a good chunk of cash for his sale and replace him quickly, then it's probably a hit we can recover from.

That being said, there are other players we should be trying to move on first before we start unravelling our Starting XI, though. Joe Willock, Jacob Murphy and Nick Pope all need dealing with before we look at shifting big stars.

Following Anthony Gordon's £70m move to Barcelona, many believe there may yet be another high-profile exit at Newcastle United this summer.

Tino Livramento's hopes of a move may have dwindled based on injuries, poor end-of-season form and our lofty price tag, but Sandro Tonali's future remains very much up in the air.

Last week, The Telegraph reported that there are internal fears at Newcastle that the 26-year-old will depart this summer, despite the club valuing the Italian at £100m.

Tonali's agent has been talking up a potential move since early February, and our lack of European football won't help matters. However, that factor will be put to the test now Spurs have joined the race, fresh from a 17th-place finish.

Tottenham join Tonali race

According to a Monday night exclusive from Fabrizio Romano, Tottenham are now in the mix to sign Sandro Tonali.

Romano reports that new boss Robert De Zerbi wants a 'new star' to reinvigorate his Spurs midfield, and wants fellow Italian Tonali to be that man.

It's thought Arsenal and Man City are also in the mix, but Spurs want to fight for his signature after recently landing Andy Robertson from Liverpool and Bournemouth's Marcos Senesi, with City winger Savinho also expected to sign.

If all three Premier League rivals are interested, along with Man Utd, Newcastle may hope to see a bidding war spark in the coming weeks, especially when Tonali is not currently distracted by World Cup duties.

Camara one to watch?

If the ongoing talk around the 'race for Tonali' is a sign of things to come, we must learn from last summer and line up a replacement.

Newcastle have discussed Monaco's Lamine Camara as a potential successor, and you wonder if those initial talks are in preparation for Tonali's exit.

Auxerre's Kevin Danois has also been watched, while Udinese's Arthur Atta has been linked regularly in recent weeks via the Italian media.

What happens next will depend massively on a club stumping up enough cash for Tonali, although it will pile the pressure on Ross Wilson to find quality replacements, with a Gordon-shaped hole still to fill on our left wing.