Tottenham agree personal terms with Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali
Tottenham Hotspur have agreed personal terms with Sandro Tonali and are preparing an improved £85m bid to tempt Newcastle United into a sale.
The Italian international has reportedly accepted a lucrative six-year contract worth £200,000 a week to make the switch to north London.
Broadcasters in Italy indicate the 26-year-old has already given his definitive approval to the proposed move.
However, the Lilywhites must still bridge a significant valuation gap with his current employers.
Negotiating a record-breaking fee
An initial £75m approach from Spurs was firmly rejected by the Magpies earlier this month.
Newcastle are holding out for a total package of £100m before they will sanction the departure of their midfield anchor.
The Tottenham hierarchy are now expected to table a revised offer featuring significant add-ons in an attempt to finalise negotiations this week.
Manchester City also retain a strong interest in the combative midfielder, adding pressure on the north London outfit to act swiftly.
De Zerbi’s extensive summer rebuild
Securing the sought-after enforcer would represent a massive statement of intent for manager Roberto De Zerbi.
The Italian tactician is currently orchestrating a drastic squad overhaul following a disastrous campaign that saw the club narrowly avoid Premier League relegation.
Back-to-back 17th-place finishes have prompted urgent and decisive action in the transfer market from the Spurs board.
High-profile arrivals such as Jan Paul van Hecke, Andy Robertson, Martin Dubravka, and Marcos Senesi have already bolstered the defensive ranks.
Midfield alternatives remain in play
Should the ambitious pursuit of their primary target falter, the club are keeping other premium options open.
Discussions are reportedly ongoing with West Ham United regarding a move for Mateus Fernandes.
Prying the highly-rated talent away from the London Stadium will require fending off rival interest from both Manchester United and Real Madrid.