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Transfer insider David Ornstein has revealed Tottenham could offer a mammoth salary to Sandro Tonali, never before seen at the north London club.

Spurs have already made good improvements to a squad which has struggled over the last couple of seasons. Following two 17th-placed Premier League finishes in a row, new boss Roberto De Zerbi has signed Marcos Senesi, Andy Robertson and Jan Paul van Hecke.

With the defence sorted, Tottenham are now looking further up the field, with Newcastle midfielder Tonali the subject of their admiration.

The Italian star has the likes of Manchester City and Arsenal also keen on him, but it’s believed Spurs are very serious about winning the race, and insider Ornstein has revealed what lengths they are willing to go to.

He said on The Athletic FC Podcast: “There is an acceptance at St. James’ Park that Tonali could exit this summer, but the money has to be right. We think that is around £100million, with a very significant salary demand as well. Tottenham are in for him.

“What I see happening here is Tottenham trying to get to a place where they know they can do a deal with the player on salary. I’m hearing they are offering him really big money to join them. After that, they will go to Newcastle. If that part is okay, they will open talks and try to negotiate a fee.

“It really would be quite something, wouldn’t it, if they get a player of Tonali’s stature for around £100million, a level they have never been to in terms of transfer fee?

“Also, the salary numbers I am hearing would take Tottenham to an area that you did not use to see them go before.”

Spurs are believed to have a highest current salary of £195,000, and reports elsewhere suggest they could offer Tonali £80,000 more than that, blowing their current top earners, Xavi Simons and Cristian Romero, out of the water.

READ: Romano doubles down on Tonali as fourth of ‘seven signings’ for Tottenham this summer

Tottenham determined to land Simons

Fellow insider Fabrizio Romano has been banging the drum on Spurs’ interest in Tonali, recently suggesting that the club remain locked in in their desire to land him.

He posted on X: ‘THFC determined to get the deal done. Spurs keep pushing. De Zerbi wants him.’

Whether they are able to beat any of the other juggernauts who want him remains to be seen, but the consistent reporting is that Tottenham are very keen on making Tonali their own this summer.

Arsenal have been backed to sign Tottenham target Sandro Tonali and Man Utd forward Marcus Rashford this summer by Jermaine Jenas.

Widespread reports have indicated that Spurs are looking to bring Tonali to north London from Newcastle ahead of other Premier League clubs.

Tottenham have seen an £80m bid for Tonali rejected by the Geordies as they look to avoid another relegation fight in the Premier League next season.

Arsenal could also improve their midfield in the summer as Martin Zubimendi’s form dropped off towards the end of last season, most likely because of tiredness.

And former Spurs midfielder Jenas reckons Tonali would represent an upgrade on the Spain international if they could beat Tottenham to the signing of the Italian.

Jenas told 10bet: “I think Sandro Tonali is one of the best midfielders in the Premier League, in my opinion. He had his misdemeanour, came back, and I thought his attitude from that exact point onward has been brilliant.

READ:Who are the highest-scoring clubs at the 2026 World Cup? Liverpool and Man Utd overtake Arsenal

“He’s a dictator of a game; he sets the pace and sets the tone every time he plays. He did the same when he was at AC Milan.

“When I look at that Arsenal midfield, I was never fully convinced by Martin Zubimendi, if I’m honest with you. I think he’s a decent, solid player, but Tonali would definitely be a level up in that midfield alongside Declan Rice.

“Though I am a bit surprised that Arsenal’s focus isn’t more forward-thinking than that. I don’t think their midfield is terrible – you’ve got young Myles Lewis-Skelly who has the ability to step in there as well.

“So Tonali is a great player, and it would be a good move, but I don’t think it’s exactly what they desperately need. I still think they need a proper, out-and-out striker and a specialist on that left wing.”

READ:Arsenal, Liverpool pair cost £189m and were shamed by £17m striker masterclass from the Dutch

Jenas also talked up a potential move for Rashford, he added: “I don’t think he should just go back to United to sit on the bench, and I don’t think Michael Carrick should automatically just force him back into the team either.

“I just think there comes a point where you have to move on. Bringing Marcus Rashford back to the club – as good as he is – comes with complications.

“Now, Carrick played with Marcus, so he might feel he can get a better tune out of him.

“But at the same time, now that Marcus has experienced Barcelona, I think it’s probably a better move for him to leave England or find a fresh start.”

Tottenham are reportedly getting serious about signing Sandro Tonali from Newcastle United as links to Mason Greenwood are rejected by one insider.

Spurs have been one of the busiest teams in the summer transfer window so far with the North Londoners looking to avoid being in relegation trouble for a third season in a row.

Tottenham narrowly avoided the drop to the Championship on the final day of the 2025/26 season with a 1-0 win over Everton enough to secure their place in the Premier League for another campaign.

Tottenham completed their third signing of the summer earlier this week when they secured a reported £52m deal for Brighton centre-back Jan Paul van Hecke.

There have been rumours that Manchester City winger Savinho is also a top target and Tottenham are now working to seal a deal for Newcastle midfielder Tonali.

READ: Man Utd ‘first bid’ for Tottenham target revealed as midfielder tells agent who he ‘wants’ to join

On Friday, Fabrizio Romano confirmed on his YouTube channel: “Tottenham are working on a deal for Sandro Tonali. Tottenham are aware of the player being open to joining.

“That was my message, and that remains my message. I keep telling you about Tonali and Tottenham. Should anything change, I will come here and update you. But as of today, we are entering into the weekend, I keep telling you Sandro Tonali and Tottenham, wanted by Roberto De Zerbi in talks. So, deal on Tottenham, Sandro Tonali. That’s the understanding, that’s the story.”

Before bringing a more recent update, Romano added on X: ‘THFC determined to get the deal done. Spurs keep pushing. De Zerbi wants him.’

French newspaper L’Equipe reported earlier this week that former Man Utd striker Mason Greenwood is a target for north London rivals Tottenham and Arsenal.

READ: Transfer rumour ranking: Spurs get new offer as Van der Ven scramble starts

Posting on X, Romano dismissed those reports: ‘Tottenham are not working on a deal to sign Mason Greenwood despite reports.’

While Tottenham insider Alistair Gold has also weighed in on reports that Greenwood could join Spurs with the Football.London journalist calling the rumours ‘utterly absurd’.

Gold went on to add that Tottenham have ‘no interest’ in any deal for the Old Trafford academy graduate.

The insider revealed: ‘In other news, in case you hadn’t worked it out already because it would be utterly absurd after De Zerbi’s early days in the job, but Spurs hold no interest in signing Mason Greenwood this summer despite links.’

Fabrizio Romano maintains that the “deal is on” for Tottenham to sign Sandro Tonali from Newcastle this summer despite reports of interest from Manchester City.

Spurs have already signed Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi on free transfers after their respective contracts at Liverpool and Bournemouth expired, while Jan Paul van Hecke will reunite with Roberto De Zerbi after Tottenham paid £52m to land him from Brighton.

De Zerbi – who was appointed by Spurs in March and saved them from relegation – also wants to add a new central midfielder to his ranks.

They’ve made ‘calls’ to sound out Mateus Fernandes over a move to North London, but the West Ham star looks destined for Manchester United, and their focus appears to be on landing Tonali.

Romano revealed on X earlier this week: ‘EXCLUSIVE: Tottenham have entered the race to sign Sandro Tonali!

‘De Zerbi wants Tonali as new star for the midfield, ideal to step up #THFC level.

‘Spurs ready to face Man City and Arsenal in the race for Tonali for new ambitious project to prove their intentions.’

The transfer expert later insisted that Tonali ‘wants’ Tottenham despite an ‘approach’ from Man City, but on Thursday, our friends at TEAMtalk revealed that the Italy international is also seriously considering a move to the Etihad.

They reported that Man City are ‘increasingly confident’ that Tonali will join them, should he decide to stay in the Premier League.

It was claimed that Tonali has ‘seriously considered the prospect of joining’ Man City and has been ‘impressed by the project’ of the Premier League club, who will have Enzo Maresca as their new manager following the departure of Pep Guardiola.

TEAMtalk has further stated: ‘Crucially, discussions were not solely focused on football matters.

‘Sources indicate Tonali’s camp were particularly impressed by the wider package City outlined, including the long-term vision for the player, the role he would occupy within the squad and the support structure available to his family away from football.

‘Those conversations have ensured City remain firmly in contention despite the player’s desire to eventually return to Serie A.’

Tonali ‘deal on’

But Romano doubled down on Friday night, insisting that Tonali to Tottenham “remains my message”.

He said on his YouTube channel: “Tottenham are working on a deal for Sandro Tonali. Tottenham are aware of the player being open to joining.

“That was my message, and that remains my message. I keep telling you about Tonali and Tottenham. Should anything change, I will come here and update you. But as of today, we are entering into the weekend, I keep telling you Sandro Tonali and Tottenham, wanted by Roberto De Zerbi in talks. So, deal on Tottenham, Sandro Tonali. That’s the understanding, that’s the story.”

Arsenal have emerged as unlikely ‘suitors’ for Mason Greenwood, according to the French media, while Fabrizio Romano has dismissed suggestions that Tottenham Hotspur want to sign the former Manchester United forward.

Man Utd sold Greenwood to Marseille in the summer of 2024 after a loan spell at Getafe.

Greenwood left Man Utd under a cloud due to off-pitch issues, and it is almost impossible that the English forward will play for the Red Devils again.

Earlier this month, The Manchester Evening News reported that Man Utd have a 40% sell-on clause in Greenwood’s future.

Arsenal and Tottenham linked with Mason Greenwood

L’Equipe has now reported that Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur are among Greenwood’s ‘suitors’.

The French publication has reported that AS Roma, too, are interested in the 24-year-old forward.

READ: Man Utd ‘first bid’ for Tottenham target revealed as midfielder tells agent who he ‘wants’ to join

There have also been suggestions in the Italian media that AS Roma and Greenwood have an ‘agreement in principle’ on a contract until 2031.

L’Equipe has reported: ‘Under contract until 2029, the English striker (1 cap) has already stated his desire to stay in Provence.

‘However, the Marseille club would find it difficult to refuse a substantial offer, ideally one exceeding market value, as Manchester United still owns 40% of the player’s rights.

‘Greenwood has no shortage of suitors (AS Roma, Arsenal, Tottenham).’

The French report has gone on to claim that ‘a return to the Premier League seems unlikely’ for Greenwood given his off-pitch issues during his time at Man Utd.

Current Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi worked with Greenwood at Marseille.

Fabrizio Romano dismisses Mason Greenwood to Spurs rumour

However, according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, Tottenham are not planning to sign the former Man Utd forward in the summer transfer window.

Romano posted on X at 3:43pm on June 19: “Tottenham are not working on deal to sign Mason Greenwood despite reports.”

It is also hard to see a move to Arsenal happening either.

While Greenwood did well during his loan spell at Getafe and has done well for Marseille, the optics would be damaging for Arsenal if the Premier League champions were to sign the 24-year-old.

Man Utd had their ‘first bid’ for West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes rejected on Tuesday amid speculation Tottenham also want him.

The Red Devils have already agreed a deal to sign Atalanta midfielder Ederson with rumours that he had his medical in New York on Sunday.

However, Man Utd are not done there with midfield improvements as widespread reports indicate that the Red Devils want at least one, maybe two, more in that position, as well as a left-back and left-winger as a minimum this summer.

Fernandes seems to be the next name in line to join Man Utd as their top target, Elliot Anderson, seems likely to join arch-rivals Man City over the Red Devils.

But Man Utd seem to have some strong competition for Fernandes in the form of Premier League rivals Tottenham, who have already made several early moves in the transfer market.

David Ornstein of The Athletic has revealed that Tottenham head coach Roberto De Zerbi ‘wants’ Fernandes as well as Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali.

READ:Rashford ‘preference’ beyond Barcelona brings Man Utd stay ‘back into play’

Ornstein wrote on X: ‘Tottenham Hotspur among clubs keen on signing Mateus Fernandes from West Ham United – separate to #THFC pursuit of Sandro Tonali. Interest driven by Roberto De Zerbi; wants #WHUFC talent as well as #NUFC midfielder.’

Fabrizio Romano also confirmed interest in the top Man Utd target from Tottenham, he said on his YouTube channel: “It’s true that also Tottenham called the agent of the player.

“So, Tottenham had a conversation with the agent of player and are interested in Mateus Fernandes, but at the moment, it’s still early to say where he is going.

“Tottenham calling, Manchester United in talks, Real Madrid under consideration.

“He was one of the names indicated now 10 days ago by Jose Mourinho on that Tuesday when he arrived at Madrid, had a meeting with the board and started discussing options.

“So, that’s the situation of Mateus Fernandes.”

READ: Man Utd believe they have ‘genuine chance’ for ‘dream’ signing of top Liverpool target

Giving more detail on Man Utd’s interest in Fernandes, Romano said: “The contacts are going to continue in the next hours and days for Mateus Fernandes. Man Utd are there.

“Man Utd want to get the player, and are in direct contact with the player’s camp. Fernandes is very keen on a move to Manchester United.

“The discussions on the player side are going well, both with the player and his camp.

“Now it depends on the club-to-club discussions with West Ham. They’re starting at an £85m valuation for Fernandes.

“Ideally, they wanted £100m, but the expectation is they could close the deal at around £85m, not less than this.

“Man Utd’s initial discussion with those taking care of this deal is under £85m. So Man Utd want to spend less than this.”

And now an account on X made up of ‘five elite reporters’ has revealed that Fernandes would rather join Man Utd over Spurs with the Red Devils already having made their first bid.

The account wrote: ‘Exclusive. Mateus Fernandes has told his agent that he wants to move to Manchester United rather than Spurs. He has asked his agent to inquire about Manchester United’s next steps. We understand the first bid submitted last week was rejected on Tuesday.’

West Ham United midfielder Mateus Fernandes wants to move to Manchester United and play under manager Michael Carrick, despite Tottenham Hotspur boss Roberto De Zerbi being keen on bringing him to the north London club, according to a report.

With West Ham having been relegated from the Premier League, Fernandes is one of the players who could leave the Hammers in the summer transfer window.

West Ham want £80million for Fernandes, with Man Utd and Tottenham keen on a deal for the Portugal international midfielder.

Man Utd have long been in contact with the agents of Fernandes, who is ‘extremely keen’ on a move to Old Trafford, according to TEAMtalk.

Man Utd and Tottenham in contact for Mateus Fernandes

According to Fabrizio Romano, Tottenham have now made contact with the agents of Fernandes.

The transfer guru said on his YouTube channel: “It’s true that also Tottenham called the agent of the player.

“So, Tottenham had a conversation with the agent of player and are interested in Mateus Fernandes, but at the moment, it’s still early to say where he is going.

“Tottenham calling, Manchester United in talks, Real Madrid under consideration.

“He was one of the names indicated now 10 days ago by Jose Mourinho on that Tuesday when he arrived at Madrid, had a meeting with the board and started discussing options.

“So, that’s the situation of Mateus Fernandes.”

The Athletic journalist David Ornstein has also reported that Tottenham are keen on Fernandes, with De Zerbi personally interested in the Portuguese star.

An X account with over 62,000 followers, Krrish, has also reported about Tottenham getting in contact with Fernandes’s agent, Jorge Mendes.

The account, which has previously reported that Tottenham have reached an agreement on personal terms with Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali, has claimed that Fernandes wants to move to Man Utd, not to Spurs.

Mateus Fernandes wants Man Utd, not Tottenham

It posted on X at 10:33am on June 19: ‘Tottenham Hotspur have made contacts with Jorge Mendes to understand the possibility to sign Mateus Fernandes!’

The account further added: ‘Understand, that in the last 24 hours, Spurs have made direct contacts with Jorge Mendes to understand the contract demands of Mateus for a potential move.

;Mateus Fernandes is currently NOT too keen on a move to Spurs, and wants a move to Manchester United, with Bruno Fernandes pushing.

‘But Roberto De Zerbi wants to talk and try to convince the player.

‘Manchester United are the favorite club for Mateus Fernandes, but an agreement with West Ham is still missing, WHUFC asking for £80m package while MUFC pushing for around £60m package.

‘Tottenham Hotspur hoping for the deal to collapse due to difference in valuation, THFC ready to spend big on Mateus Fernandes IF he agrees to join Spurs.

‘But right now, it’s Man United who lead the race.’

Less than a month on from Tottenham retaining their Premier League status on the final day of the season they’re making moves for four of the most sought-after talents in the English top flight. Just who exactly do they think they are?

With Cristian Romero set for the exit and the future Micky van de Ven in the balance despite Spurs insisting the Netherlands international is now for sale, the first signing of the Roberto De Zerbi era was announced on Thursday to address an emerging centre-back crisis in North London.

De Zerbi will reunite with Jan Paul van Hecke after Spurs agreed to pay Brighton a hefty £52m fee to sign the 26-year-old.

It was a predictable move made simple by no other team being willing to pay anywhere near that amount for a player with just one year left on his contract, and because of the archaic transfer sway of the traditional Big Six to draw players from so-called lesser teams, despite Brighton’s clear superiority over Spurs in the last two seasons.

De Zerbi is a key factor, too. Not just in the signing of Van Hecke, who has first-hand experience of the Italian’s methods and well-known tactical prowess, but in the strides they’ve taken to lure Sandro Tonali in a £100m move from Newcastle.

We don’t think it’s unfair to suggest that an approach from Thomas Frank’s Tottenham after a 17th-placed finish would have been laughed off by Tonali and his representatives. As of Monday, Tonali wanted to go to Tottenham, as Fabrizio Romano confirmed De Zerbi as key to the midfielder’s stance.

“I don’t think there’s going to be any problem with the player, financially or in terms of the contract,” he added.

“Also because the connection between Tonali and De Zerbi is very clear, both from the same city of Brescia, so the connection is very, very good.”

Romano later claimed Tonali is keen on Tottenham despite an “approach” from Manchester City, but after The Athletic reported that the competition they face from the Citizens is ‘serious’, our friends at TEAMtalk intimated that Tonali’s preference for Spurs was based largely around the fact that City were yet to really enter the running.

After City joined Tottenham in holding ‘talks’ with the Italian and his camp, Tonali started ‘seriously considering’ the move to join the eight-time Premier League winners. Because of course he is.

While they won’t have the same draw as they did under Pep Guardiola, Tonali is said to have been ‘particularly impressed by the wider package City outlined, including the long-term vision for the player’. Champions League football and the chance of a title challenge under new manager Enzo Maresca can’t hurt either.

For now we should commend the bold transfer approach from Spurs. At this stage in the transfer window, why shouldn’t they lean on what is clearly enduring transfer sway in a bid to attract the best players possible? But at some point – if (when) they miss out on Tonali and two other fanciful targets – they’re going to have to get in their lane.

The Athletic’s David Ornstein revealed on Thursday that they’re also ‘keen’ on £85m West Ham star Mateus Fernandes in what is a brazen entry into a race with Real Madrid and Manchester United, after Ben Jacobs claimed earlier this week that they had “called” to see if a hijack of United’s £50m move for Crycensio Summerville was on the cards. We can tell you, guys – it’s not.

Summerville is seen as an alternative option to Manchester City star Savinho, who – like Van Hecke – is the perfect target for Spurs, in that no other team wants him.

And while the Spurs chiefs may well be ‘confident’ that they have a ‘genuine chance of completing’ the £100m signing of Adam Wharton from Crystal Palace, as reported by our friends at TEAMtalk, that will only be the case if any of his other admirers – Liverpool, for example – don’t join the battle to land him this summer.

As soon as their more attractive rivals get a sniff of a potential move, Tottenham will be dismissed by Wharton having been snubbed by Tonali, Summerville and Wharton.

Liverpool are ‘not actively pursuing’ a deal to sign Tottenham and Netherlands defender Micky van de Ven despite reports to the contrary.

The Reds made their first signing of the Andoni Iraola era on Thursday as the Premier League club announced that they had agreed to sign Victor Munoz from Osasuna.

Liverpool sacked Arne Slot after the Dutchman could only guide the Reds to fifth place in the Premier League in a trophyless season, as they failed to get near the performances which saw them win the title a year earlier.

And now Liverpool are looking to give new head coach Iraola all the tools he needs to challenge for major honours again next campaign.

One position they are looking to strengthen is at centre-back after losing Ibrahima Konate, who is joining Real Madrid on a free transfer.

Liverpool do still have Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez, Jeremy Jacquet and Giovanni Leoni but the Reds are looking for more experience at the heart of their defence.

READ: Liverpool: Ornstein reveals €100m Diomande ‘package’ as four alternatives ‘on the list’

The Reds, as well as Manchester United, have been heavily linked with a move for Tottenham defender Van de Ven with rumours he could be on the move this summer.

Ben Jacobs insisted that Man Utd’s interest was mainly reserved for if Tottenham got relegated, while Van de Ven would prefer a move to Liverpool.

Speaking before the end of the season, reliable journalist Ben Jacobs said about Van de Ven on The United Stand: “Micky van de Ven, they (Manchester United) won’t make an approach unless Tottenham go down.

“If Tottenham stay up, I think Micky van de Ven will likely sign a new deal, but a bit like Senesi, quite an open situation.

“I have said before on the show, if Liverpool enter that race, Van de Ven would want to join Liverpool, but they haven’t entered that race.

“So, let’s kind of be a bit patient on that one because Van de Ven is only focused on trying to keep Tottenham up at this stage.

“From what I gather, he really enjoys playing under Roberto De Zerbi, but he’s not necessarily the kind of player that wants to drop into the Championship, even if he likes the manager.”

Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf insisted earlier this week that Liverpool and Barcelona had ‘knocked on the door’ at Tottenham to get information on Van de Ven.

However, Jacobs’ colleague at talkSPORT, Alex Crook, has now revealed that Liverpool have pulled the plug on a deal for Van de Ven for the time being.

READ: Transfer rumour ranking: Man Utd, Liverpool target Serie A midfielders

Crook wrote on X: ‘#LFC are not actively pursuing Micky van de Ven at this moment.’

Van Hecke agreement could impact Van de Ven

Tottenham are set to sign Jan Paul van Hecke from Brighton this summer after striking a £52m ‘agreement’ and ex-Man Utd chief scout Mick Brown reckons that could have an impact on Van de Ven’s future.

Brown told Football Insider: “Van De Ven’s future is still up in the air.

“It’s an area Tottenham are going to have to assess because there are doubts about [Cristian] Romero too, and whether he could move on.

“Van Hecke is somebody they’ve admired for a while, and I’ve always liked the look of him at Brighton, I think he’s really stepped up in recent years.

“At first, I thought he was a bit of a typical work-a-day centre-half, but he’s shown he can be more than that and that has impressed Tottenham.

“So let’s say they make a move for him, that changes things with Van de Ven, because all of a sudden they’ve got another option in the door.

“Liverpool will be keeping a close eye on what’s happening there, because Konate is going to leave, so they’ll need a new centre-back.

“There are a lot of moving parts, but we know Liverpool have been keen on Van de Ven, and if they are given any indication he could be available, they could make a move.

“If Tottenham are signing a new centre-back, then it might play right into their hands.”

Tottenham Hotspur will be hugely concerned to learn that Sandro Tonali is seriously considering a move to Manchester City, according to a report, with Newcastle United expecting bids for the midfielder.

Earlier this week, Fabrizio Romano revealed that Tottenham are pressing ahead for Tonali.

The transfer guru reported that Tonali himself is keen on a move to Tottenham and wants to work with fellow Italian Roberto De Zerbi.

De Zerbi is driving Tottenham’s interest in the Newcastle midfielder and has the backing of the north London club’s owners, ENIC.

However, it emerged on Wednesday evening that Manchester City are determined to sign Tonali.

The Athletic reported that Tottenham now face ‘serious competition’ from Man City for the Italy international midfielder.

READ: Tonali to Tottenham proves the Big Six has been protected forever

Talksport journalist Ben Jacobs subsequently reported that Man City are ‘in talks’ for the former AC Milan star, along with Spurs.

Jacobs posted on X at 10:47pm on June 17: “Newcastle braced for bids for Sandro Tonali and expecting multiple suitors.

“Spurs and Manchester City both in talks.

“Arsenal enquired in January and are still assessing midfield options for this summer.

“A return to Italy very unlikely due to cost, even though Tonali wants to play in Serie A again one day.

“Newcastle looking for around £100m including add-ons.”

Sandro Tonali ‘impressed’ by Man City ‘project’

TEAMtalk has now brought an update on the situation, claiming that Tonali is seriously considering a move to Man City.

The reliable transfer news outlet has reported that Man City are ‘increasingly confident’ that Tonali will make a move to the Etihad Stadium, should he decide to stay in the Premier League.

It has been reported that Tonali has ‘seriously considered the prospect of joining’ Man City and has been ‘impressed by the project’ of the Premier League club, who will have Enzo Maresca as their new manager following the departure of Pep Guardiola.

TEAMtalk has further stated: ‘Crucially, discussions were not solely focused on football matters.

‘Sources indicate Tonali’s camp were particularly impressed by the wider package City outlined, including the long-term vision for the player, the role he would occupy within the squad and the support structure available to his family away from football.

‘Those conversations have ensured City remain firmly in contention despite the player’s desire to eventually return to Serie A.’

Tottenham rocked by Man City ‘discussions’

Man City actively trying to sign Tonali is bad news for Tottenham, who finished 17th in the Premier League table last season.

While Tottenham are planning to rebuild under manager De Zerbi, Man City have a strong squad already to compete for the Premier League title next season.

Man City are a richer club than Tottenham, too, and would be able to pay more salary to the midfielder.

Moreover, in the case of a bidding war, Man City are likely to be able to pay more than Tottenham.