Abdulhafiz TeslimFabrizio Romano and Ben Jacobs have provided the latest update on Tottenham Hotspur’s pursuit of Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali this summer after the Magpies rejected an opening offer worth £75 million.
Having already strengthened their defence with the signings of Andy Robertson, Marcos Senesi and Jan Paul van Hecke, Spurs are now targeting a marquee addition in midfield as they continue to reshape their squad under Roberto De Zerbi.
According to reports, Tottenham have also identified Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton as a potential alternative should a deal for Tonali prove too difficult to complete. West Ham United’s Mateus Fernandes is another player on the club’s radar, although interest from Spurs has reportedly prompted Manchester United to intensify their own pursuit of the Portuguese midfielder.
Despite seeing their opening bid rejected, Romano and Jacobs report that Tottenham remain determined to land Tonali this summer.
Newcastle are understood to value the Italy international at around £100 million, with any successful package likely to require an offer in the region of £85 million plus a further £15 million in performance-related add-ons.
According to GIVEMESPORT, Tottenham are prepared to increase their offer to around £85 million, although negotiations over the structure of potential add-ons could still prove to be a stumbling block.
Ben Jacobs reports that Spurs are now preparing a second bid as they attempt to pull off one of the biggest transfers of the summer, despite not having European football next season. Tottenham face competition from Manchester City, Arsenal and Manchester United, all of whom continue to monitor Tonali’s situation.
Jacobs wrote:
> “A fresh bid is expected. Manchester City remain active as well. Spurs want to make a statement signing, with Roberto De Zerbi understood to have made central midfield a priority this summer.”
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Fabrizio Romano urged Tottenham supporters not to read too much into the rejection of the opening offer, describing it as a normal part of negotiations for elite players.
Romano said:
> “Tottenham entered the race strongly to sign Sandro Tonali, and Sandro Tonali is open to joining Tottenham. Tottenham are real contenders, they are very serious.
> “An official bid of £75 million was sent three days ago and rejected by Newcastle because they want more. The first bid is rarely accepted when negotiating for a player of this calibre.
> “It was part of Tottenham’s strategy to send a message to both Newcastle and, especially, the player that they are serious.
> “Tottenham remain in conversations with those close to Tonali and are continuing to work on a new bid. They are working very hard to try to sign Sandro Tonali.”
Meanwhile, reports linking Tottenham with another attacking target admired by Roberto De Zerbi have reportedly been dismissed by sources close to the club, as Spurs continue to focus their efforts on securing a marquee midfield signing this summer.
Abdulhafiz Teslim
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