Manchester City attempt late hijack of Tottenham move for Sandro Tonali
Manchester City are attempting to hijack Tottenham Hotspur’s move for Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali after Spurs had an initial £75m bid rejected.
City join the midfield race
The Premier League champions are eager to secure the 26-year-old as they look to bolster their central options ahead of the new campaign.
Pep Guardiola’s side are already pursuing Nottingham Forest standout Elliot Anderson, but view the Italian international as an additional arrival rather than an alternative.
Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi has made the combative midfielder a primary summer target, but now faces an intense battle to bring him to north London.
Journalist Damiano Er Faina reports that City are actively involving themselves in the negotiations to lure the player to the Etihad Stadium.
Spurs push for reinforcements
Tottenham have enjoyed a remarkably busy start to the transfer window, recently securing defensive trio Andy Robertson, Marcos Senesi and Jan Paul van Hecke.
De Zerbi is eager to continue his squad overhaul by adding steel to the middle of the park to complement his new-look backline.
Talks are reportedly advancing for West Ham United prospect Mateus Fernandes alongside their pursuit of the Magpies star.
Spurs are very close to agreeing personal terms with Fernandes ahead of a proposed summer move.Matteo Moretto
However, securing the former AC Milan anchor remains a priority despite Newcastle rebuffing their lucrative opening approach.
Bergvall seeks swift exit
The impending midfield arrivals have cast severe doubt over the future of highly-rated prospect Lucas Bergvall.
The 20-year-old Sweden international arrived with immense expectations after famously rejecting Barcelona, but struggled for consistent minutes under De Zerbi last term.
Fearing further reduced playing time, the youngster has formally informed the club hierarchy of his desire to seek a permanent transfer elsewhere.
Transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano indicates that interested parties will need to pay between £45m and £50m to prize the frustrated playmaker away this summer.
