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NUFC eye triple transfer swoop after £43m deal - more exits expected after Tonali - Shields Gazette
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Newcastle United transfers: The Magpies are pushing to sign three players after agreeing to sell Sandro Tonali to Tottenham Hotspur.

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Newcastle United are set for a busy period in the summer transfer market after approving the sale of Sandro Tonali to Tottenham Hotspur.

The deal to sell the Italian midfielder is worth around £100million in total. It follows the £70million sale of Anthony Gordon to Barcelona last month.

Captain Bruno Guimaraes has also been heavily linked with a move away from the club. Although news of incomings hasn’t been forthcoming in recent weeks, things are finally starting to change in that regard.

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The Gazette understands that a significant sale early in the transfer window will allow Newcastle to strengthen in multiple positions this summer.

The club are understood to have agreed a deal to sign Hoffenheim winger Bazoumana Toure for around £43million as a left-wing replacement for Gordon. It comes after the club missed out on the signing of Victor Munoz from Osasuna, who joined Liverpool instead.

Newcastle also hold an interest in Spurs midfielder Archie Gray, but nothing has been agreed between the clubs.

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Newcastle have already signed one player so far this summer with 20-year-old goalkeeper Ewen Jaouen joining from Stade de Reims. The French shot-stopper has been signed as a second-choice goalkeeper for Newcastle, with Nick Pope’s future at the club uncertain.

As reported by The Gazette, Pope will be allowed to leave Newcastle this summer and has held talks with newly-promoted Ipswich Town over a potential move. Odysseas Vlachodimos has been loaned out to Sevilla for the 2026/27 campaign.

Manchester City and England goalkeeper James Trafford is a player of interest to Newcastle for a third successive summer, though doing a deal could prove difficult due to the finances involved.

The Magpies will also push to sign a right-back this summer following the departures of Kieran Trippier and Emil Krafth. Tino Livramento has also recently undergone surgery on a muscle injury but is expected to return during pre-season.

Newcastle United plot next transfer move after agreeing £100m Sandro Tonali to Tottenham Hotspur sale

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Newcastle United plot next transfer move after agreeing £100m Sandro Tonali to Tottenham Hotspur sale - Shields Gazette
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Tottenham Hotspur have agreed a £100million deal to sign Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali.

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Newcastle United have agreed the £100million sale of Sandro Tonali to Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur.

Spurs will pay £92.5million up front, with £7.5million in achievable add-ons. It is the second most expensive sale in the Magpies’ history after Alexander Isak’s £130million British record move to Liverpool last summer.

The Gazette has been told that the money from the Tonali sale will enable Newcastle to strengthen in multiple positions as head coach Eddie Howe prepares for a squad rebuild following last season’s disappointing 12th-place finish in the Premier League.

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Newcastle United agree £100m Sandro Tonali sale

Newcastle paid £55million to sign Tonali from AC Milan in the summer of 2023 but he didn’t make an impact until the following 2024-25 season after he was forced to serve a 10-month ban for breaching betting offences.

The 26-year-old returned to help the club end its 56-year trophy drought by winning the Carabao Cup, as well as qualify for the Champions League. Last season, however, Tonali, like several of his teammates, struggled for consistency.

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We reported earlier this year that Tonali believed he would be allowed to leave if Newcastle missed out on European qualification. After finishing 12th, 11 points below the Premier League top five, that has now transpired.

Tonali has been open to the prospect of living in London and working under fellow Italian Roberto De Zerbi, who hails from Brescia, the club where Tonali began his career.

Spurs have finished 17th in the Premier League in back-to-back seasons but have offered Tonali a significant salary increase.

Newcastle United turn attention to incomings

Newcastle’s attention now turns to incomings. Having also sold Anthony Gordon to Barcelona for £69million, the club has now raised around £169m in player sales. We’re told that will enable them to strengthen in multiple positions.

The Magpies are yet to make a major signing this summer after seeing their move for Spanish winger Victor Munoz hijacked by Liverpool.

French goalkeeper Ewen Jaouen is their only arrival so far after joining from Stade de Reims for £18million. But since he has never played outside of France’s second division, the 20-year-old is expected to be the second-choice goalkeeper next season.

Fabrizio Romano reveals fresh Newcastle United transfer move as 'official bid' made

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Fabrizio Romano reveals fresh Newcastle United transfer move as 'official bid' made - Shields Gazette
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Newcastle United transfers: Fabrizio Romano has linked a new name to Newcastle United amid Tottenham Hotspur’s Sandro Tonali pursuit.

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Fabrizio Romano has claimed Newcastle United have had a transfer offer rejected by Tottenham Hotspur amid Sandro Tonali transfer talks.

Spurs are pushing to sign Tonali from Newcastle this summer and have already had a bid of around £80million rejected. In the meantime, the North London club have agreed an £85million club-record deal to sign Mateus Fernandes from West Ham United but are expected to return with an improved offer for Tonali.

Newcastle value Tonali at around £100million, meaning Spurs would have to smash their transfer record again to land the Italian.

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But amid those transfer talks, Romano has claimed Newcastle have made a move for Spurs midfielder Archie Gray.

The transfer influencer posted on Instagram: “EXCLUSIVE: Newcastle send bid for Archie Gray while Sandro Tonali separate deal talks continue.

“Newcastle have sent official bid to Tottenham for Archie Gray, rejected by Spurs in separate deal from Sandro Tonali. Spurs made their position clear on Archie Gray following the approach — no agreement between the clubs at this stage.

“Newcastle remain interested in Gray, while Spurs' stance is unchanged for now. Sandro Tonali talks also continuing. Tottenham are pushing to get Tonali deal done as their top priority after Mateus Fernandes who’s having medical now.

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Gray, 20, was born in Durham and progressed through Leeds United’s academy, going on to make 52 appearances for the club in his breakout season. His impressive displays in the Championship caught the eye of Spurs, who agreed a deal worth around £40million.

Gray has since gone on to make 81 appearances for Spurs over the last two seasons and has shown versatility to play both in defence and midfield.

Newcastle United identify £42m Sandro Tonali alternative as Tottenham Hotspur plot move

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Newcastle United identify £42m Sandro Tonali alternative as Tottenham Hotspur plot move - Shields Gazette
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Newcastle United are looking at midfielders with Sandro Tonali’s future uncertain.

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Newcastle United are considering a move for Switzerland midfielder Johan Manzambi.

The 20-year-old, who plays his club football for Bundesliga side Freiberg, has starred at the World Cup so far, scoring three goals in three games.

Manzambi started on the bench for Switzerland against Qatar and Bosnia & Herzegovina but scored a 15-minute brace against the latter to start their final group match against Canada.

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And Manzambi was on the scoresheet again as his goals helped his country top Group B and set up a last 32 tie with Algeria.

Manzambi’s standout performances at the World Cup come off the back of an excellent season with Freiberg, where he scored seven goals and provided nine assists as his team reached the Europa League final, as well as finishing seventh in the Bundesliga.

Newcastle United consider move for Johan Manzambi

The midfielder started in Servette’s youth academy before making the switch to Germany in 2023. According to Sky Sports News, Freiberg value Manzambi at around £42million.

The player shares the same agency as a host of current Newcastle stars, including Lewis Hall, Tino Livramento, Harvey Barnes and Jacob Murphy, as well as head coach Eddie Howe.

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The agency was called Wasserman until it recently rebranded to THE·TEAM.

Newcastle United midfield uncertainty

Newcastle are looking at central midfielders this summer, with both Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes linked with exits.

The Magpies are open to selling Tonali with Tottenham Hotspur currently leading the chase. However, the message is that Guimaraes, whose representatives have held talks with Arsenal, is not for sale.

Liverpool told to inflict more transfer misery on Newcastle United after £80m bid

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Liverpool told to inflict more transfer misery on Newcastle United after £80m bid - Shields Gazette
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A former Liverpool defender has had his say on the future of Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali.

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Newcastle United star Sandro Tonali is not short of interest this summer after the Magpies rejected a reported £80m from Tottenham Hotspur for the Italian midfielder.

Speculation over Tonali’s future at St James Park has continued to dominate the headlines in recent weeks after Spurs emerged as surprise candidates to secure his signature during the summer transfer window. That comes just under six months after North London rivals Arsenal reportedly showed tentative interest in Tonali during the final hours of the January transfer window and reports in Italy have suggested the Emirates Stadium is the former AC Milan man’s preferred move.

Juventus have been long-term admirers of Tonali but are not believed to be serious contenders in the race for his signature and Manchester City are also said to be interested in the 26-year-old despite focusing their attention on a big money move for former Magpies midfielder Elliot Anderson. However, former Liverpool stalwart Jamie Carragher has insisted Tonali would be a suitable signing for his old club as they embark on life under new head coach Andoni Iraola.

He told Sky Sports: "Tonali is a midfielder I really rate. I think he's got great pace and power in that midfield. It wasn't his best season last season but it's difficult when you're not playing for a team who are playing well. He's certainly a player I looked at thinking for Liverpool. I think it (moving to Tottenham) would be a good move all-round really. I like what Spurs are doing and I like what De Zerbi is doing. Spurs, for a long time had a reputation, didn't they, of going to the last minute of transfer deadline trying to do the best deal they possibly could under Daniel Levy.

"Since Levy has left it hasn't gone particularly well, so I think they are under a bit of pressure as well. De Zerbi has come in and done a really good job and I think he has got a lot of power at that club right now, probably the most he will have unless he wins a big trophy. He's put his foot down, he wants players in quickly for them to start pre-season."

The intriguing NUFC & Spurs transfer swap deal that UEFA rules could block after Sandro Tonali bid

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The intriguing NUFC & Spurs swap deal that UEFA rules could block - Shields Gazette
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Premier League transfers: It has been a busy transfer window for Tottenham Hotspur so far as they look to sign Sandro Tonali from Newcastle United.

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Tottenham Hotspur have been pushing to sign Sandro Tonali this past week, with the Newcastle United midfielder emerging as one of the club's priority transfer targets.

Newcastle rejected an £80million bid from Spurs for the Italy international, while Manchester City and Arsenal are also understood to be monitoring the situation. Suggestions of a cash-plus-player deal have also emerged.

Amid the noise surrounding Tonali, Tottenham midfielder Lucas Bergvall has reportedly asked to leave the club. The 20-year-old was limited to just 11 Premier League starts last season and is said to be looking for a fresh start elsewhere.

Aston Villa, Chelsea and Nottingham Forest have all been linked, while Newcastle hold a long-standing interest in the Sweden international that pre-dates his move to Spurs.

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Would Newcastle United and Spurs entertain a swap deal?

While Newcastle are unlikely to revisit their interest in Bergvall this summer, the club's admiration for the midfielder is well established.

Several reports linking Tonali with a move to Spurs have suggested the London club could attempt to sweeten any offer by including players as part of the package. Goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario and forward Richarlison have both been mentioned, but Bergvall would undoubtedly be the most intriguing option from Newcastle's perspective.

Back in 2024, reports in Sweden claimed Newcastle had submitted an ultimately unsuccessful bid for Bergvall before the teenager completed an £8.5million move to Spurs.

On the surface, there is an argument that Bergvall's inclusion would at least give Newcastle something to think about. At 20, he already possesses Premier League and Champions League experience, while his age profile aligns with the club's long-term recruitment strategy.

Even in a cash-plus-player deal, however, losing a player of Tonali's calibre would require more than a talented 20-year-old prospect. There is also a financial complication that could make such a proposal particularly unattractive.

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UEFA financial rules

Newcastle remain under UEFA scrutiny following concerns over a potential breach of Financial Sustainability Regulations. Although the club ultimately failed to qualify for Europe, UEFA's assessment period still applies and the club's spending will be monitored closely.

Newcastle must also continue to operate within UEFA's squad-cost ratio rules, which limit spending on transfers, wages and agent fees as a percentage of revenue.

That matters because UEFA takes a different view of player-exchange deals than the Premier League.

Where Premier League rules allow clubs to recognise profits from player sales in the usual way, UEFA treats transfers involving players moving in opposite directions between the same clubs during the same transfer window as linked transactions. In practice, that significantly reduces the accounting benefits clubs can generate from structuring deals in that manner, whether the transfers are formally linked or not.

As a result, Newcastle may gain little financial advantage from combining a Bergvall move with a Tonali sale.

In fact, if Newcastle were ever to sanction Tonali's departure, UEFA's accounting rules could make a straightforward cash offer from another club significantly more attractive than a player-exchange arrangement involving Spurs.

That does not diminish Bergvall's quality or Newcastle's past interest in the player.

But if Tonali’s future does become one of the defining stories of the summer transfer window, the conclusion is likely to be straightforward. Newcastle want clarity over complication, and a single large cash offer over any deal built around player exchanges.

Alan Shearer names Sandro Tonali price tag as Newcastle United legend left baffled

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Alan Shearer names Sandro Tonali price tag as Newcastle United legend left baffled - Shields Gazette
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Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer has questioned why Sandro Tonali would want to join Tottenham Hotspur.

Spurs are expected to table a second bid for Tonali after their opening offer of £80million was turned down by Newcastle last week.

Tonali is open to the move, with the prospect of living in London and working under Roberto De Zerbi proving appealing. The Spurs boss was born in Brescia, where Tonali began his career before joining AC Milan and later Newcastle.

Alan Shearer questions Sandro Tonali over Spurs move

But from a footballing point of view, it is a potential move Shearer is struggling to get his head around following back-to-back 17th-placed finishes for Spurs.

The North London club finished fourth bottom in the 2024-25 campaign but masked their struggles by winning the Europa League, while last season they also just avoided relegation on the final day after beating Everton 1-0.

Shearer told Betfair: "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."

Newcastle want £100million for Tonali, almost double what they paid to sign him from AC Milan in the summer of 2023. Arsenal and Manchester City are also interested.

The 26-year-old is under contract at St James’ Park until 2029, having signed an extension as a show of loyalty during his 10-month betting ban.

Spurs ready to trigger £40m release clause for 14-goal forward amid Newcastle United Sandro Tonali pursuit

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Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly preparing a fresh move in the transfer market after having a bid rejected for Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali.

Spurs are set to return with an improved offer for Tonali after seeing a bid of around £80million rejected by Newcastle last week. Arsenal and Manchester City are also monitoring the situation.

And as they continue to work on the Tonali deal, Spurs have also reportedly turned their attention to Manchester United and England forward Marcus Rashford.

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The i has reported that Spurs are willing to match Rashford’s £40million release clause. The 28-year-old spent last season on loan at Barcelona, scoring 14 goals, and would prefer another move abroad.

Barcelona have since signed Anthony Gordon from Newcastle for £70million as a potential replacement for Rashford on the left wing.

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Newcastle have also been linked with a move for Rashford as a replacement for Gordon, though the deal is likely to be a non-starter due to the player’s reported £320,000-a-week wages. The Magpies missed out on Victor Munoz to Liverpool last week after the Spanish winger was lined-up as a replacement for Gordon.

The Mirror linked Newcastle as a potential destination for Rashford along with Arsenal, Chelsea and Spurs. Now the latter are looking to act quickly in the transfer market under Roberto De Zerbi and bounce back from successive 17th-place finishes in the Premier League.

Rashford is currently away at the World Cup with England and came off the bench to replace Gordon and score in the 4-2 opening game win over Croatia last week.

Simon Jordan delivers brutal Sandro Tonali to Tottenham Hotspur take as Arsenal watch on

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Simon Jordan delivers brutal Sandro Tonali to Tottenham Hotspur take as Arsenal watch on - Shields Gazette
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Former Crystal Palace owner Simon Jordan doesn’t believe Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali will join Tottenham Hotspur.

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Simon Jordan believes Tottenham Hotspur are being used to generate wider interest in Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali.

Spurs saw an £80million bid rejected for Tonali last week but are expected to submit an improved offer to the Magpies. It’s been suggested Roberto De Zerbi’s side could go to £90million, but United want closer to £100million.

But Manchester City and Arsenal are also keeping close tabs on Tonali, leading Jordan to believe that Tottenham are being played in a similar way to last summer when they missed out on Eberechi Eze to the Gunners.

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The England international had agreed a move to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium from Crystal Palace only for their North London rivals to hijack the deal.

Jordan told Talksport: “Unfortunately for Newcastle, they don't get any reward for being patient with Tonali, because Tonali let them down. He got himself into a compromised position through gambling and Newcastle lost a significant period of time. The only way he repays them is if Newcastle get a great big whacking fee.

“I don't know if he's a £100million footballer, but then what does £100million footballer look like in this day and age? I don't think £100million footballer is Enzo Fernandez, but that's what someone paid for him.

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“A £90million bid? I think that will be used as a mechanism to lever other football clubs by the agent that's looking around going...

“Spurs will now pay the wages, because they know they've got to. They've made so much noise now about what the previous regime under Daniel was and how they're going to change things. They know that the big thing they've got to fix, because we all know that Spurs will spend £150m to £200million a season. They've done it. They did it under Daniel's tenure. The big thing is, will they meet the wages?

“I just feel, and I hope I'm wrong for Spurs fans, I feel that Tonali's agent, whoever he is, will be leveraging the circumstance in the same way that Eze’s agent leveraged the circumstance with Tottenham and Tottenham will be utilised to be able to create a benchmark for how much this player can get from X, Y, Z clubs.”

Sandro Tonali will leave Newcastle United this summer

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Tonali will leave NUFC this summer - but the club can't green light Spurs transfer - Shields Gazette
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Newcastle United transfers: Newcastle cannot let Sandro Tonali leave - yet.

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Newcastle United would be betraying the dream sold to supporters and players alike if the next major deal they sanction this summer is the sale of Sandro Tonali.

We were told this summer would be different. After the frustration of the last 12 months, the message from the club was clear: lessons had been learned, the appointment of Ross Wilson as sporting director, working alongside Eddie Howe and the recruitment team, was supposed to bring structure, direction and momentum.

Instead, Newcastle find themselves wrestling with a growing identity crisis. The failed pursuit of Victor Munoz was another reminder of Newcastle's place in football's food chain.

Deals collapse, and players choose other clubs, particularly when Liverpool come calling. But agreeing a deal only to watch another club hijack it at the final moment was hardly the image Newcastle wanted to project.

NUFC’s Tonali threat

And now comes a far bigger threat. Tottenham Hotspur are pushing hard to sign Tonali, while Manchester City and Arsenal are monitoring the situation. In all likelihood, if a club comes close to Newcastle’s £100million valuation, the Italian is out the door.

It’s hard to argue against selling a player who doesn’t want to be here for a significant amount; it makes perfect business sense.

But selling Tonali now would represent something much bigger than a transfer fee. It would be another step away from the vision supporters were sold during the takeover and another step towards becoming a selling club once again.

Not Mike Ashley's Newcastle - just a more expensive version of it. Buy high. Sell higher.

There is nothing wrong with that model. In an era of financial restrictions, smart trading is essential. Every successful club buys and sells. The problem is timing.

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Timing

After missing out on Europe, after already selling Anthony Gordon and after struggling to land priority targets, cashing in on another elite player before making a statement signing would send a damaging message.

It would tell supporters Newcastle are standing still while rivals move forward. Worse still, it would tell the dressing room the same thing.

Players such as Bruno Guimaraes bought into this project long before success arrived. He has repeatedly demonstrated his commitment to on and off the pitch.

What must he be thinking if the club continues selling top talent while significant reinforcements fail to arrive? This is not what Newcastle were supposed to become.

This is a club that lifted the Carabao Cup, returned to the Champions League and looked ready to force its way into English football's elite.

Now there is a genuine danger of drifting back into the crowd. Another Premier League club making up the numbers rather than shaping the conversation.

Selling Tonali to Tottenham would be a statement, just not the statement Newcastle need.

The hierarchy must understand that actions speak louder than words. Talk of a 2030 ambition means little if first-choice targets keep slipping away and star players keep heading for the exit.

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NUFC must start acting like the serious club it claims it can be

The club must stop talking about what it hopes to become and start acting like the force it claims it can be. That begins with delivering a statement signing, not facilitating the departure of one.

Tonali can leave this summer, particularly if Manchester City or Arsenal come calling.

But selling him now, before Newcastle have demonstrated their own ambition in the market, would be a huge gamble with the credibility of the entire project.

If the next major announcement is Tonali's departure, supporters and even players will draw their own conclusions about where Newcastle United is heading.

It is time to stop being the black and white wallpaper and start becoming the picture again.