Newcastle United are in talks with AC Milan over Italy midfielder Sandro Tonali over a deal that could be worth £60 million to fill Eddie Howe’s priority position in the transfer market this summer.
Howe has wanted a No 6 midfielder for next season’s Champions League campaign and there was a move for Nicolo Barella last week, although Inter Milan have been insisting on €80 million.
Newcastle have stayed in Serie A and turned to Tonali, who is likely to be significantly cheaper.
Tonali, 23, has been at the San Siro for three years, initially on a loan from Brescia that turned into a permanent deal. Andrea Pirlo has played down the comparisons between himself and Tonali despite the young midfielder being hailed as the great Azzurri midfielder’s heir.
Tonali was not in Italy’s Euro 2020 winning squad but has forced his way into Roberto Mancini’s thinking and started against England in the qualifier in March, which was won by Gareth Southgate’s team. As a lifelong Milan fan, he has the opportunity to leave the club having won Serie A.
Howe has wanted a midfielder to support Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton next season, with Champions League qualification bringing extra matches and the need for competition in key areas. Sean Longstaff is another option in the central area of the pitch, but it has been a priority to add a quality signing in that area.
There is also an interest in James Maddison, who is expected to leave Leicester City this summer following their relegation to the Championship. But there will be intense competition from Tottenham for the England midfielder.
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