Tottenham Hotspur’s pursuit of Sandro Tonali is now set to move into its second stage after the Lilywhites made some progress in the deal.
Spurs fans have been on cloud nine since it first emerged around 48 hours ago that Roberto De Zerbi’s men were pushing for a deal for Tonali.
What is particularly encouraging is that several outlets have reported that the Newcastle star is open to a move to Spurs, partly down to his excellent relationship with De Zerbi.
However, some outlets have suggested that Tonali is using the Lilywhites to get a move to a bigger club, and that is a prospect Tottenham fans are concerned about, having been burned last summer with the Ebereche Eze deal.
Tottenham set to open talks with Newcastle over Sandro Tonali
Fabrizio Romano has now confirmed that the Italy international is indeed keen on moving to North London, and reveals that the Lilywhites are now set to open talks with the Magpies.
Even more consequentially, the journalist asserts that reports suggesting that Tonali is using Tottenham’s interest to get a bigger move are wide off the mark.
Romano said on X: “Tottenham set to open talks with Newcastle for Sandro Tonali after van Hecke, Robertson and Senesi done. Tonali is keen on the move as exclusively revealed. Reports of Tonali using Spurs to open doors to other clubs are described as not true.”
Spurs would have to break the bank to land Tonali
It has been reported by David Ornstein that the most challenging part of the Tonali deal for Spurs would be agreeing a fee with Newcastle.
According to some reports, Eddie Howe’s men value the Tottenham target at well over £100m, which is £35m more than the North London club’s current transfer record.
Additionally, the likes of Arsenal and Man City are continuing to circle over Tonali, and there is always the risk that they could swoop and match Tottenham’s offer if De Zerbi’s men do strike an agreement with Newcastle.