AC Milan name price for Sandro Tonali as Newcastle United push for transfer breakthrough
Newcastle United are keen on the Italy Under-21 international but AC Milan may not be an easy seller.
Newcastle United are working hard to secure a transfer breakthrough ahead of the Magpies’ return to pre-season training in July.
Yesterday’s inquest – via an intermediary – against AC Milan’s Sandro Tonali testified to the determination of Eddie Howe and his backroom team to clinch a deal. As reported here on Chronicle Live, Newcastle have been hit with a series of exaggerated quotes on certain targets, including Leicester City’s James Maddison.
However, as Newcastle bosses see transfer odds skyrocketing, Arsenal’s attempts to sign Declan Rice fail after two offers hit the wall before being told they have paid £120m. pounds for the services of the English stars must flick. Newcastle have reportedly requested a £50million bid for Tonali as they are in the market for a defensive midfielder.
The aim is to find a star who will allow Bruno Guimaraes to climb even higher up the ladder while stimulating competition in midfield. United’s business is at the mercy of efforts to sign Nicolo Barella from Milan’s neighbors Inter last week.
But as with the Barrella investigation, Newcastle will find that Milan will crack down on Tonali’s transfer fee. The 23-year-old lost £23m from Brescia in 2020 but Milan believe he has developed well since then and has made over 100 Serie A appearances. The Italy Under-21 international is set to take part in the European Championship where his prize money could rise if he performs a good tournament. There was talk in Italy this morning that Milan could offer the tender to start at around £73million.
According to the popular Football Transers website, Tonali is ranked as the 14th best midfielder in Serie A. United can offer Tonali a massive £75,000-a-week pay rise, but he is under contract at Milan until 2027 and they are in full control of his fees.
Newcastle were sympathetic to the story, which broke over Tonali in Italy last night, but the investigation is now the main talking point on the football-loving country’s 24/7 sports news programmes. Tonali enjoys life at Milan and the San Siro club also have Champions League prospects, just as the Magpies give United a less-in-talk card next season.
