TEAMtalk

Tottenham Hotspur have reached a full agreement with Newcastle United for the signing of Sandro Tonali after agreeing a package worth £100million, TEAMtalk can confirm.

Sources have confirmed that Tottenham and Newcastle have shaken hands on a deal that will see the midfielder become the most expensive signing in the north London club’s history and the first Italian footballer ever to command a £100m transfer fee.

The agreement comes just days after Tottenham completed an £85m move for West Ham United midfielder Mateus Fernandes, underlining manager Roberto De Zerbi’s determination to transform his midfield ahead of the new season.

TEAMtalk understands that the structure of the deal will see Tottenham pay £92.5m up front, with a further £7.5m payable through achievable add-ons and performance-related bonuses.

Earlier on Wednesday, we exclusively revealed Newcastle were refusing to lower their £100million valuation, but were prepared to discuss a package that reached that figure through bonuses rather than insisting on the full amount being paid immediately.

That flexibility proved decisive.

After seeing an opening offer worth around £75m rejected last month, Tottenham returned on Wednesday with an improved proposal worth £90million.

Further negotiations quickly followed and, with Spurs agreeing to Newcastle’s overall valuation, the clubs have now reached a full agreement.

Tonali made it clear earlier this summer that he was ready for a new challenge after informing Newcastle he wanted to leave St James’ Park.

The Italy international midfielder’s availability alerted a host of Europe’s biggest clubs.

Arsenal, Manchester City and former club AC Milan all explored the possibility of signing the 26-year-old, but TEAMtalk understands that none were prepared to match both Newcastle’s valuation and the financial package Tottenham were willing to put on the table.

Spurs have gone all-in to land De Zerbi’s top midfield target.

DON’T MISS: Tottenham in transfer rampage as £100m striker eyed after Fernandes, Tonali

Tonali could become new Tottenham player before the weekend

We can reveal Tonali will become Tottenham’s highest-paid player after agreeing a five-year contract worth around £275,000 per week – more than double his current salary at Newcastle.

Personal terms have been agreed for some time, meaning only club-to-club negotiations remained.

With those now complete, Tottenham are hopeful the transfer can be formally concluded before the weekend.

The move represents another huge statement of intent from Spurs following De Zerbi’s arrival.

Having already secured Mateus Fernandes and previously adding experienced figures such as Martin Dubravka, Andy Robertson, Marcos Senesi and Jan Paul van Hecke, the north London club have now landed one of the Premier League’s elite midfielders to become the centre-piece of their rebuild.

For Newcastle, the sale represents a significant financial boost, although one they were only prepared to sanction after Tottenham met their valuation in full – the same stance that saw them land more than £80m from Barcelona for Anthony Gordon.

Attention will now turn to how the Magpies respond in the transfer market, while Spurs are expected to quickly switch their focus to other areas of De Zerbi’s squad once Tonali’s arrival is officially completed.

TEAMtalk understands that all parties are now working towards finalising the remaining paperwork, with the expectation that one of the biggest transfers of the summer will soon be confirmed.

Newcastle United are refusing to lower their £100million valuation of Sandro Tonali despite Tottenham Hotspur returning with an improved offer worth around £90m, TEAMtalk understands.

Negotiations between the two clubs are continuing and progressing, with Tottenham determined to make the Italy international the marquee signing of Roberto De Zerbi’s summer rebuild.

However, Newcastle remain resolute that they want a package worth £100m.

Sources have confirmed to TEAMtalk that the Magpies will not sanction Tonali‘s departure unless Spurs meet their full asking price, with club officials maintaining the same stance they have held throughout discussions.

While the gap between the clubs has narrowed significantly, there is still work to be done before an agreement can be reached.

Tottenham’s latest proposal represents a substantial increase on their initial approach, which we revealed was worth around £75million.

That offer was quickly rejected by Newcastle but was always viewed inside Spurs as an opening bid rather than one expected to secure a deal.

The north London club planned from the outset to return with an improved package and have now moved much closer to Newcastle’s valuation.

Sources have told us there is a growing feeling among those involved that negotiations are entering a decisive phase.

With Spurs now approaching the £100million mark, confidence remains that a compromise can be found if one final push is made.

Want more breaking news and transfer lines from original sources? Add TEAMtalk as a preferred source on Google to your favourites list for news you can trust.

Newcastle reluctant but Tonali ready to go

Newcastle remain reluctant sellers and insist they are under no financial pressure to cash in.

Nevertheless, Tottenham’s persistence has brought the clubs closer together than at any previous stage of the negotiations. Personal terms are not expected to present any obstacle.

We understand that Tonali has already indicated he is ready to complete a move to north London and has been offered a contract worth in excess of £250,000 per week, which would make him Tottenham’s highest-paid player.

Spurs have held positive discussions with the midfielder’s representatives over recent weeks and sources say significant progress has already been made.

The 26-year-old is believed to be excited by the project being built under De Zerbi and is particularly attracted by the opportunity to work under the Italian coach, who has made Tonali the cornerstone of his midfield rebuild.

Interest from rival clubs has also faded in recent weeks.

Manchester City, Arsenal and AC Milan all explored the possibility of signing Tonali at various stages of the summer, but TEAMtalk understands none are currently prepared to compete with Tottenham’s financial commitment.

That has left Spurs firmly in pole position to land one of Europe’s most coveted midfielders.

For Newcastle, the message remains straightforward. The Magpies are prepared to do business but only on their terms.

Their £100m valuation remains the final hurdle.

But with the Magpies now prepared to structure that figure through achievable bonuses and add-ons, and Tottenham edging ever closer to those demands, TEAMtalk understands the transfer is now approaching its conclusion.

Tottenham Hotspur are already planning their next transfers after Mateus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali, with a club insider revealing their interest in Bournemouth hitman Eli Junior Kroupi.

Tottenham have beaten Manchester United to the capture of West Ham United’s Portuguese star Fernandes. David Ornstein confirmed on Tuesday night that Spurs have ‘won the race’ for the central midfielder by agreeing an £85million deal with West Ham.

Man Utd were previously confident about landing Fernandes, but we have revealed the three reasons why he chose Spurs instead.

Spurs are also advancing towards the sensational capture of Newcastle United midfielder Tonali after Roberto De Zerbi identified the pair as crucial targets.

Manchester City are reportedly planning to submit an opening bid for Tonali, but they look set to be quickly outdone by Spurs.

The north London side are in pole position for Tonali, having seemingly agreed a six-year contract with the Italian and already opened formal talks with Newcastle.

According to reliable Spurs reporter Paul O’Keefe, snaring Kroupi is De Zerbi’s next objective.

‘Junior Kroupi is among the forward players of interest to Tottenham,’ O’Keefe wrote on X, formerly Twitter.

Kroupi is one of the best young strikers in the Premier League, having hit 13 goals in 33 appearances during his debut season – the record for a teenager.

Landing Kroupi would be another statement of intent from Spurs, who are willing to back De Zerbi with top-quality signings to fire the team up the Premier League table next season.

Spurs see the Frenchman as someone who can provide Dominic Solanke with competition and cover up front. His signing could push the likes of Richarlison and Mathys Tel further down the pecking order.

It emerged on June 8 that Bournemouth want a huge £100m to sell Kroupi, seeing him as one of the best U21 attackers around.

Get the inside story first by joining our TEAMtalk Facebook channel to receive the latest breaking and exclusive news straight into your Messenger inbox.

Tottenham considering major Kroupi deal

It will be interesting to see whether that colossal price puts Spurs off. They are spending big at De Zerbi’s request, but £100m for a player with one season’s worth of Premier League experience is a crazy figure.

Liverpool and Arsenal have both been linked with moves for Kroupi. A switch to Anfield could be tempting, as it would see the 20-year-old reunite with former Cherries boss Andoni Iraola.

However, we revealed on Tuesday that Paris Saint-Germain are ready to ramp up their own quest to land Kroupi, having identified him as a dream replacement for Goncalo Ramos, who is departing for AC Milan.

While the player is currently settled at the Vitality Stadium, the opportunity to join two-time Champions League winners PSG would be very hard to ignore.

Tottenham have not only agreed personal terms with Sandro Tonali, but have now launched a gigantic second bid that Fabrizio Romano is hinting Newcastle will accept.

Tottenham are poised to make Mateus Fernandes their record signing to the tune of £85m. The West Ham midfielder has been granted permission to undergo a medical, with Spurs impressively beating Manchester United to the coup.

But while the Portuguese will become Tottenham’s record buy, he may only hold that honour briefly.

Spurs are determined to go one better by bringing Newcastle and Italy ace, Sandro Tonali, on board too.

Our insider, Fraser Fletcher, recently brought news of Tottenham agreeing personal terms with Tonali.

If completing the blockbuster switch, Tonali will earn just under £300,000-a-week when factoring in bonuses.

Roberto De Zerbi has proved pivotal in Spurs striking that agreement with Tonali, and it’s now up to the club to bid a sum Newcastle will accept.

An opening offer of £75m was never going to succeed, but according to reliable Italian reporter, Gianluca Di Marzio, Spurs have raised the stakes.

He revealed Tottenham have launched a club-record bid worth ‘over’ €100m / £86m.

Want more breaking news and transfer lines from original sources? Add TEAMtalk as a preferred source on Google to your favourites list for news you can trust.

Tottenham bid more than €100m for Sandro Tonali

Taking to X, he wrote: “Sandro Tonali has never been this close to joining Spurs. Tottenham are waiting for Newcastle’s final reply after discussing an offer over €100m.”

On his official website, Di Marzio provided another update that basically said the same thing, though Spurs fans won’t mind reading it twice.

His headline read: ‘Sandro Tonali has never been so close to joining Tottenham: the details.’

The very short report then stated: ‘Tonali and Tottenham have never been closer than they are now. Newcastle’s final response to Spurs’ latest offer, slightly above €100 million, is now awaited.’

A subsequent update from Ben Jacobs claimed the total value of the bid is around £90m.

Fabrizio Romano’s big hint

And in a clear hint there’s good news on the horizon for Tottenham, transfer guru Fabrizio Romano took to X to provide a tantalising update with emojis.

When quote-tweeting his prior post that broke news of Tottenham entering the race to sign Tonali, Romano simply posted an eyes emoji, a fire emoji, and white circle to represent Tottenham. That post can be viewed here.

In other news, Tottenham have rejected a bid from Newcastle for Archie Gray, who the Magpies obviously view as a worthy replacement if Tonali were to depart.

Spurs are thus far insisting Gray isn’t for sale, just as they’re insisting Lucas Bergvall isn’t going anywhere either.

But with Fernandes and potentially Tonali arriving, it’s not out of the question Spurs do cash in on a player like Gray if Newcastle keep calling.

Per Romano, Newcastle remain interested in snapping Gray up despite their opening offer being turned down.

Tottenham have rejected a Newcastle bid for midfielder Archie Gray, and Fabrizio Romano has shed light on what the Magpies plan to do next.

Tottenham and Newcastle are meeting in the market for Sandro Tonali this summer, with the Italian already agreeing personal terms with Spurs.

Tonali is in line to earn a touch under £300,000-a-week when factoring in bonuses if completing the switch.

The Magpies are slowly warming to the idea of a sale, especially after our insider, Fraser Fletcher, brought news of Tottenham being prepared to pay in excess of £100m for the 26-year-old.

Naturally, Newcastle will need a high-calibre replacement who can walk straight into Eddie Howe’s starting line-up if Tonali does take flight.

And according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, the player in their sights is Tottenham’s Archie Gray.

Tottenham reject bid, but Newcastle not going away

Taking to X, Romano revealed Newcastle have bid for the 20-year-old, though the offer has been turned down.

He wrote: “Newcastle send offer to Tottenham for Archie Gray, rejected by Spurs.

“Spurs made their position clear following the approach, with no agreement reached between the clubs at this stage.”

Romano then strongly suggested this isn’t the end of the story, with Newcastle remaining interested in Gray, thus hinting they might raise the stakes and bid again. For now, the Magpies have no intention of walking away from Gray.

“Told #NUFC remain interested, while Spurs stance is unchanged for now,” added Romano.

Want more breaking news and transfer lines from original sources? Add TEAMtalk as a preferred source on Google to your favourites list for news you can trust.

Could Tottenham cash in on Archie Gray?

Tottenham are on the cusp of completing a club-record deal for Mateus Fernandes after seeing an £85m bid accepted by West Ham.

Spurs outmuscled Manchester United from a financial standpoint when agreeing to pay the full £85m asking price in guaranteed payments, and without the aid of add-ons. Man Utd were unwilling to make that same commitment.

But as mentioned, Spurs’ transfer record is on course to tumble a second time if and when Tonali arrives.

And in a campaign where Tottenham have no European football, manager Roberto De Zerbi may struggle to keep his plethora of midfielders happy.

Aside from Fernandes and potentially Tonali too, De Zerbi would also be able to call upon Gray, Lucas Bergvall, Rodrigo Bentancur, Pape Sarr and Conor Gallagher in central midfield.

Naturally, that raises doubts as to whether Spurs will keep all of the midfielders already in north London around.

Bergvall has asked to leave but for the time being, Spurs are insisting he’s not for sale.

They’ve adopted a similar stance with Gray, but if Newcastle keep knocking, the door could eventually open.

Tottenham Hotspur have been given clearance to put Mateus Fernandes through a medical ahead of a club-record move to N17, though Roberto De Zerbi’s side could soon eclipse that deal with hopes growing over a move for Sandro Tonali.

The north London side mean business this summer. After two successive 17th-placed finishes, the most recent of which saw them narrowly avoid relegation to the Championship, Tottenham‘s owners are determined to launch a rigorous rebuild of their playing squad.

Now looking to become upwardly mobile under Italian boss De Zerbi, Spurs are now on the cusp of adding Fernandes to their ever-evolving squad that has already welcomed the signings of Andy Robertson, Marcos Senesi and Jan Paul van Hecke.

Spurs won the race for Fernandes after ultimately agreeing to meet West Ham’s £85m demands over a fee, while Manchester United – who had been in talks with the player and his entourage for some weeks – refused to budge on their own valuation: a strategy that has ultimately seen them miss out.

We understand United were informed by West Ham of Spurs’ willingness to pay a fixed £85m fee on Tuesday and were offered the chance to match that bid. However, with INEOS’s final offer worth a downpayment of £70m and £15m in add-ons, United were taken out of the running and with Spurs ultimately winning the race.

Now Fabrizio Romano has shed light on how they managed to pull off a deal and has confirmed the Portugal star has been given the green light to be put through a medical.

Romano said on his YouTube channel: “It’s done: Matheus Fernandes will play for Tottenham Hotspur and not for Manchester United. Man Utd have been in conversation for a long time with Fernandes until Tuesday morning. I can guarantee to you that before lunchtime, Manchester United were still in contact with the agent of the player, still in contact with West Ham.

“But what made the difference is the transfer fee, because Manchester United were not matching the £85m valuation in full. They were never going to pay £85 million in full, but they were prepared to reach £85 million, including add-ons.”

A MUST READ! Revealed: Three reasons why Mateus Fernandes chose Tottenham over Man Utd – money NOT the deciding factor

Tottenham could break Fernandes record on Sandro Tonali

Romano continued: “Tottenham arrived with an £85 million guaranteed fee—a fixed fee, no add-ons, no future stories. West Ham have the guarantee they wanted. £85 million for a player strongly wanted by Roberto De Zerbi.

“De Zerbi was pushing like crazy behind the scenes to get Fernandes. It was not easy for Tottenham to get the green light from the player, with Man Utd involved to play in Champions League football. Tottenham were in trouble till the final day of the Premier League season, so it’s a completely different situation.

“But now we can say that Tottenham have agreed all terms with Matheus Fernandes and also with West Ham. So, £85 million—the most expensive deal in history for Tottenham.

“Tottenham remain in conversations with Newcastle for Sandro Tonali. So we have to see also the outcome of that conversation between Tottenham and Newcastle, but for sure they are working very hard to rebuild the midfield.”

In a fresh update, Romano has now confirmed Fernandes has the all clear to undergo a medical.

‘Mateus Fernandes has permission to undergo medical tests as a new Tottenham player. Green light from West Ham as they receive £85m fixed fee, a club record signing for Tottenham.’

Fernandes’ status as the Spurs’ most expensive signing ever might not last long, however.

And with the race to sign Tonali seriously heating up, with Tottenham Hotspur preparing a colossal offer that’ll outdo Manchester City, according to a report.

Spurs opened the bidding for the Italian at £75m, an offer which was rejected by Newcastle. We revealed on Saturday that Spurs are readying an incredible new proposal to match Newcastle’s £100m valuation.

As per Spanish newspaper Marca, City are ‘preparing another bombshell’ after agreeing a huge £116m deal for Elliot Anderson and are ‘prepared to push’ for Tonali with a €110m (£95m) bid.

The race to sign Sandro Tonali is seriously heating up, with Tottenham Hotspur preparing a colossal offer that’ll outdo Manchester City, according to a report.

Tonali is looking to leave Newcastle United this summer as he is concerned about their decline under Eddie Howe. The Magpies qualified for the Champions League two seasons ago, only to fall to 12th in the Premier League table last term.

Tonali has been linked with both Arsenal and Manchester United, but it is now Tottenham and Man City who are vying for his signature.

Spurs beat Man Utd to an £85million deal for West Ham United midfielder Mateus Fernandes on Tuesday night, and Roberto De Zerbi wants to follow up on that deal with an even bigger swoop for Tonali.

Spurs opened the bidding for the Italian at £75m, an offer which was rejected by Newcastle. We revealed on Saturday that Spurs are readying an incredible new proposal to match Newcastle’s £100m valuation.

As per Spanish newspaper Marca, City are ‘preparing another bombshell’ after agreeing a huge £116m deal for Elliot Anderson and are ‘prepared to push’ for Tonali with a €110m (£95m) bid.

City, like Spurs, want two elite midfield signings to rebuild their engine room.

But as things stand, Spurs are still leading the charge for Tonali. They are willing to meet his £100m price tag and have reportedly agreed a six-year contract with the 26-year-old.

We revealed on Tuesday afternoon that Spurs are stepping up their hunt for both Fernandes and Tonali, whom De Zerbi has identified as pivotal targets.

Now that an agreement has been struck for Fernandes to join, snaring Tonali is Spurs’ next priority.

Newcastle fans will understandably question why Tonali would leave them for Spurs, who have finished 17th two seasons in a row.

Want more breaking news and transfer lines from original sources? Add TEAMtalk as a preferred source on Google to your favourites list for news you can trust.

Tottenham fighting hard for Sandro Tonali

Spurs’ appointment of De Zerbi is understood to be a big draw for players such as Tonali. De Zerbi is highly rated in the game and is also a compatriot of Tonali’s.

The player clearly believes the Spurs project will finally head in the right direction next season, while harbouring serious doubts over Newcastle under Howe.

Spurs must watch out for City, though. They have shown with Anderson that they are willing to spend mega money to get their key targets.

The Cityzens may have seen legendary manager Pep Guardiola depart, but they are still expected to compete for trophies under new boss Enzo Maresca.

Meanwhile, we can reveal the three main reasons why Fernandes has agreed to join Spurs over United – and it might not be for the reasons you think.

Paul Scholes has explained why Manchester United must beat Tottenham Hotspur to the stunning capture of Sandro Tonali if they want to be taken seriously next season.

Arsenal held talks with Tonali’s entourage in January, but it is their north London rivals Tottenham who have moved into pole position for the Newcastle United star. Spurs have reportedly agreed personal terms with the midfielder after Roberto De Zerbi made him a key target.

Spurs have had an opening £75million bid for Tonali rejected, and we revealed on Saturday that they are ready to return with an incredible £100m offer.

Spurs’ current record signing is the £65m spent on Dominic Solanke, and they are poised to obliterate that figure to make Tonali the new face of their midfield.

Manchester City are competing with Spurs to land Tonali, even after agreeing a £116m deal for Elliot Anderson.

Man Utd have struck a £35m agreement for Atalanta’s Ederson and could follow up on that move with two more midfield signings this summer.

Old Trafford icon Scholes wants Tonali to be United’s next target.

“The centre of the pitch is a big problem for me. You don’t feel like something is happening either, there’s nothing, there are no rumours,” he told Sky Sports.

“I’ve said it, I said it on the podcast [The Good, The Bad & The Football] six months ago, I love Tonali from Newcastle. It looks like a few clubs are in for him, including Tottenham.

“It doesn’t sound like we are in for him, but I think that would be… he knows the Premier League, he’s been with Newcastle for two or three years, obviously he had a year where he couldn’t play, but I think he’s a top-class midfield player.”

Want more breaking news and transfer lines from original sources? Add TEAMtalk as a preferred source on Google to your favourites list for news you can trust.

Man Utd face transfer setback

We confirmed on Friday that Tonali wants to join Spurs, despite their recent struggles. De Zerbi taking charge of the club is proving to be a big draw for targets such as Tonali.

We understand Spurs have beaten United to West Ham’s Mateus Fernandes, too, which would signal a major transfer blow for Michael Carrick’s side.

Borussia Dortmund’s Felix Nmecha and Alex Scott of Bournemouth are two more midfield targets for United.

The fact Bournemouth do not want to sell Scott means Nmecha appears to be the more likely addition for the Red Devils.

A top source has confirmed that an enquiry has been made about Nmecha’s availability.

Matheus Fernandes informed Manchester United he will be joining Tottenham Hotspur, with the midfielder making it clear that his decision was about far more than money, TEAMtalk understands.

The Portugal international held extensive discussions with both clubs over recent weeks, with Manchester United believing they remained firmly in the race thanks in part to sporting director Jason Wilcox’s long-standing relationship with the player.

However, sources with direct knowledge of the negotiations have confirmed to TEAMtalk that Fernandes ultimately chose Tottenham because of his belief in Roberto De Zerbi’s vision for the club.

While Spurs’ financial package is understood to be superior to that offered by Man Utd, Fernandes’ camp have insisted the move was “not simply a case of joining the highest bidder.”

Instead, the midfielder was won over by De Zerbi’s plans, the direction of the project in north London and the opportunity to remain in the capital.

We revealed last week that Tottenham had made major progress in the race for Fernandes after accelerating talks with both his representatives and West Ham United.

Now those efforts have paid off. Sources have confirmed Spurs are set to pay around £85million for the 22-year-old, with an agreement between the clubs now close after Tottenham significantly increased their offer.

Want more breaking news and transfer lines from original sources? Add TEAMtalk as a preferred source on Google to your favourites list for news you can trust.

Tottenham win race for Fernandes

Man Utd, sources have informed us, would have been prepared to move close to that valuation themselves. Indeed, West Ham made it clear they would have been willing to conclude a deal with either club.

In the end, though, the deciding factor proved to be the player himself. Fernandes informed United that his future lay at Tottenham, bringing an end to one of the summer’s most closely-fought transfer battles.

The decision represents a significant disappointment for United sporting director Jason Wilcox.

Wilcox was instrumental in bringing Fernandes to English football during his time at Southampton and has maintained an excellent relationship with both the player and his representatives.

That connection helped United stay firmly in contention throughout the negotiations, but it was ultimately not enough to persuade Fernandes to move to Old Trafford.

DON’T MISS: Tottenham make contact over playmaker signing alongside Fernandes and Tonali in £239m triple deal

De Zerbi factor real at Tottenham

Instead, De Zerbi’s growing influence at Tottenham proved decisive.

The Italian has enjoyed a remarkable impact since arriving in north London.

Having guided Spurs away from relegation danger when they appeared destined for the drop, he has quickly begun reshaping the squad ahead of his first full season in charge.

His reputation has already helped convince experienced players including Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi to join on free transfers, while Jan Paul van Hecke has also been persuaded to move to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Fernandes now becomes the marquee addition of De Zerbi’s rebuild and one of the biggest signings in the club’s recent history.

But Tottenham are showing no signs of slowing down. We understand discussions over Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali are continuing, with Spurs remaining determined to land the Italy international.

The north London club have already presented Tonali with a contract that would make him the highest-paid player in Tottenham’s history and remain hopeful of agreeing a deal with Newcastle after preparing an offer worth around £100million.

With Fernandes now on the verge of completion, Spurs believe another blockbuster signing could soon follow.

For Tottenham, the capture of Fernandes sends another powerful message about the club’s ambitions under De Zerbi.

Tottenham Hotspur have beaten Manchester United to the signing of West Ham United’s Mateus Fernandes, and Newcastle United star Sandro Tonali could soon follow him to north London.

Man Utd made Fernandes a key midfield target after admitting defeat to Manchester City in the race for Elliot Anderson, who is set to move to the Etihad for £116million. United were initially confident about winning the race for the Portuguese, as he was understood to be keen to play at Old Trafford alongside compatriot Bruno Fernandes.

However, Tottenham then entered the race strongly at the demands of new boss Roberto De Zerbi, who is pushing for a complete midfield overhaul.

Spurs are willing to back De Zerbi with big spending this summer, both in terms of wages and transfer fees.

The Italian coach intends to sign both Fernandes and Tonali in a sublime double coup, and they have won the race for the former.

David Ornstein has revealed that Fernandes has ‘opted to join Spurs’ over United after agreeing personal terms.

Spurs have also forged an agreement with West Ham worth around £85m. West Ham wanted £80-85m to sell the all-action midfielder, and they have successfully held out for that price, despite their relegation.

Ornstein adds that Spurs ‘submitted the highest proposal’ for Fernandes, with ‘numbers beyond where United were willing to go’.

Tottenham beat Man Utd to Mateus Fernandes

United valued Fernandes at around the £60m mark, and they do not want to overpay for their targets this summer.

This update comes after we revealed on Tuesday afternoon that Spurs have stepped up their efforts for the midfield duo.

According to various sources in Italy, Spurs have also agreed a lucrative six-year contract with Tonali.

Their opening bid for the Italy international, worth £75m, was snubbed, but we revealed on Saturday that a blockbuster new £100m offer is on the way.

Newcastle will only sell one more big name after Anthony Gordon, and Spurs are racing to capture Tonali before Manchester City.