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Brighton have finally reached an agreement with Tottenham Hotspur for the transfer of highly-rated Croatian defender Luka Vuskovic, with TEAMtalk understanding that the clubs have settled on a £50million package.

The deal is set to be completed after the World Cup, bringing an end to one of the summer’s longest-running transfer sagas.

We understand that Vuskovic made it clear to Tottenham several weeks ago that Brighton was his preferred destination, despite attracting interest from a host of clubs across Europe.

The 19-year-old rejected rival approaches because of his desire to work under Brighton head coach Fabian Hurzeler, whose reputation for developing young talent proved a decisive factor.

After a series of offers and lengthy negotiations, Brighton have now agreed terms with Spurs and are preparing to welcome one of Europe’s most coveted defensive prospects to the Amex Stadium.

The Croatia international is expected to play a key role in replacing Jan Paul van Hecke, who completed his move to Tottenham earlier this summer.

We exclusively revealed earlier this week that Brighton’s agreement to sign Leeds United defender Pascal Struijk would have no bearing on their pursuit of Vuskovic. That has now proven to be the case.

Sources have confirmed the Seagulls always viewed the two deals separately, believing they required multiple additions in central defence following Van Hecke’s departure.

Vuskovic has long been regarded as Brighton’s priority target.

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Brighton excited by Vuskovic move

The south coast club believe they have secured one of the finest young defenders in world football.

TEAMtalk understands that there is genuine excitement behind the scenes, with club officials said to be “delighted” to have finally completed a deal after months of work.

Brighton view Vuskovic as a player capable of becoming the cornerstone of their defence for years to come and believe his combination of composure, physicality and technical quality gives him the potential to develop into one of Europe’s elite centre-backs.

For Tottenham, the agreement brings an end to a situation that had become increasingly difficult after the player informed the club he wanted to pursue his future elsewhere.

Despite initially hoping to integrate Vuskovic into manager Roberto De Zerbi’s plans, Spurs ultimately accepted the defender’s wishes once Brighton returned with an offer matching their valuation.

The £50m fee also represents a significant return for Tottenham and provides further funds as they continue reshaping De Zerbi’s squad.

For Brighton, meanwhile, it is another major statement of intent.

Having already strengthened elsewhere this summer, Hurzeler has now landed the defensive talent he identified as his leading target.

Sources have told us that the paperwork will now be finalised following the World Cup, with Vuskovic set to become Brighton’s marquee defensive signing ahead of the new season.

What Sandro Tonali directly told Roberto De Zerbi about his Tottenham Hotspur wish has been revealed by a reliable journalist, as another reporter claims that Cristian Romero wants to leave Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

TEAMtalk’s transfer insider, Graeme Bailey, has reported that Tottenham have agreed a £100million deal with Newcastle United for Tonali.

Sources have told us that Tottenham will pay Newcastle £92.5m upfront, with £7.5m in add-ons.

We understand that Tottenham hope to make the deal official before the weekend.

Bailey has reported that Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi personally wants his Italian compatriot at the club.

We also understand that working under the Italian manager was a factor in Tonali’s desire to move to the north London club.

‘Tonali told De Zerbi he wanted to join’ Tottenham

Transfer journalist Ben Jacobs has backed our claim, revealing that Tonali directly told De Zerbi that “he wanted to join” Tottenham.

Jacobs posted on X at 7:56pm on July 1: “Roberto De Zerbi key to the Sandro Tonali deal.

“Tonali told De Zerbi he wanted to join, and Spurs then pushed to pull off a statement signing.

“Chance to play under the Spurs manager a driving factor.

“Spurs agree Tonali and Fernandes within 24 hours for a combined total of £185m.

“It was always Spurs’ intent to do both.”

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Cristian Romero ‘wants to leave Tottenham’

While De Zerbi has managed to convince Tottenham to spend £100m on Tonali, the Italian manager could end up losing his star defender, Cristian Romero.

Romero signed a new contract with Tottenham only last summer, but after two successive seasons of finishing 17th in the Premier League table, the defender has had enough.

The 28-year-old is part of the Argentina squad at the 2026 World Cup, but it appears that he does not fancy coming back to North London.

According to Italian journalist Gianluigi Longari, who has over 127,000 followers on X, Romero wants to leave Spurs, with Barcelona, Atletico Madrid and Inter Milan after him.

Longari posted on X at 10:30am on July 1: “Cuti Romero wants to leave Tottenham despite De Zerbi’s high regard for him.

“The Argentine defender is being closely followed by Barcelona and Atletico Madrid.

“Costs too high for the Italian clubs, which still appreciate him as much as Inter does.”

Luka Vuskovic is leaving Tottenham

One defender who is certainly leaving Tottenham this summer is Luka Vuskovic.

Our transfer insider, Graeme Bailey, has been reporting about Brighton and Hove Albion’s desire to sign Vuskovic from Tottenham.

The 19-year-old Croatia international central defender spent the 2025/26 season on loan at German club Hamburg from Tottenham.

Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has now confirmed that Vuskovic will leave Tottenham and join Brighton in the summer transfer window.

Romano posted on X at 3:54pm on July 1: “EXCLUSIVE: Brighton agree deal to sign Luka Vušković from Tottenham, here we go!

“£46m fixed fee plus sell-on clause to bring the potential package over £50m.

“Massive signing for #BHAFC after personal terms also agreed.”

Romano added at 4:30pm: “More on Luka Vušković to Brighton exclusive story.

“Fee confirmed: £46m fixed, £4m add-ons, 20% sell-on, matching rights for Tottenham and contract until June 2031.

“Medical in the US.”

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.”

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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.