Tottenham Hotspur target Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali in £100m deal
Tottenham Hotspur have entered the race to sign Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali as manager Roberto De Zerbi plots a massive summer rebuild.
The north London club have emerged as surprise contenders for the 26-year-old, joining Arsenal and Manchester City in the pursuit.
Manchester United recently withdrew their interest in the Italy international due to a valuation reported to be around £100m.
De Zerbi has identified his compatriot as the ideal candidate to anchor the midfield ahead of the new Premier League campaign.
Spurs undergo major summer overhaul
The pursuit of the former AC Milan player underlines a remarkable shift in transfer strategy at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Spurs are attempting to drastically improve their fortunes after enduring two consecutive 17th-place finishes in the top flight.
They have already secured the free transfers of experienced Premier League defenders Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi.
Negotiations are also ongoing with Bayern Munich regarding a permanent move for Portugal international Joao Palhinha.
Defensive departures expected
The influx of new arrivals means several established names are likely to depart the capital this summer.
Cristian Romero and highly-rated prospect Luka Vuskovic have both been heavily linked with exits.
Brighton and Hove Albion have already submitted a bid for Vuskovic, while Spurs remain interested in bringing Seagulls centre-back Jan Paul van Hecke the other way.
De Zerbi is keen to reunite with the Dutch defender, having previously managed him on the south coast.
Competition for signature
Securing the Newcastle talisman will be a complex operation given the intense rival interest.
The midfield enforcer has established himself as a dominant force at St James’ Park, earning widespread praise for his combative displays.
Former England international Paul Scholes recently lauded him as the division’s premier player in his position, placing him ahead of Arsenal’s Declan Rice.
However, the Magpies’ exorbitant asking price could prove a significant hurdle for any potential suitor during this transfer window.
