Champions League-bound Newcastle United is set to continue their summer spending in a big way after reports detail the Magpies closing on a big-money move for AC Milan’s Sandro Tonali.
The 23-year-old Italian international midfielder would become the second signing on Tyneside since the opening of the summer transfer period after Eddie Howe’s side first concluded a deal for Odense Boldklub winger Yankuba Minteh.
According to The Athletic’s David Ornstein, Newcastle is closing on completing their move for Tonali in what would be a joint-record signing that would see the club splash €70m, the same figure dispatched last summer for Swedish international Alexander Isak.
🚨 Newcastle close to agreement with AC Milan to sign Italy international Sandro Tonali for fee in region of €70m. Subject to final negotiations for 23yo, #NUFC would be landing Eddie Howe’s top midfield target. W/ @JamesHorncastle @TheAthleticFC #ACMilan https://t.co/Mrk197s7if
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) June 21, 2023
Tonali is said to be Howe’s top summer target as he strengthens the spine of his primary XI, with the Italian in line to partner Brazilian international Bruno Guimarães in the center of the park in what would constitute a very credible central pair.
The Lodi-born Tonali would bring a considerable amount of tournament experience as well on the back of his three years in Milan, featuring in European competitions on 26 occasions since 2020 all wrapped in a player profile that was one compared to Italian legend Andrea Pirlo.
Given the smaller summer budget that the club has been reportedly given, further business still could be found via a shock loan move for Portuguese international Rúben Neves despite his shock move to Saudi club Al-Hilal, who apparently would be willing to loan him back to Europe in the wake of his €55m move to the Gulf state.
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