Tottenham Hotspur have opened formal talks with Newcastle United over a summer transfer move for midfielder Sandro Tonali, according to journalist David Ornstein.
The north London club have been among the most active sides in the current transfer window despite consecutive 17th-place finishes in the Premier League last season.
Spurs have already moved to strengthen their defensive options, securing the signings of Marcos Senesi from Bournemouth and Andy Robertson from Liverpool on free transfers.
They have also confirmed the arrival of Jan Paul van Hecke, a 14-cap Dutch international centre-back, from Brighton and Hove Albion to further bolster their backline.
With defensive reinforcements in place, Tottenham appear to have shifted focus toward midfield and are reportedly very close to agreeing personal terms with Mateus Fernandes.
Ornstein reports that Tottenham are simultaneously in positive talks with Tonali’s representatives over personal terms, with Manchester City also credited with interest in the Italian international.
Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio has revealed that Spurs submitted a formal £75m offer for Tonali, though Newcastle swiftly rejected that bid as insufficient.
Newcastle, whose contract with the 26-year-old runs until 2028, are demanding a fee of around £100m before they will consider selling the midfielder this summer.
Arsenal have also been credited with strong interest in Tonali, meaning Tottenham’s pursuit represents a direct attempt to outmanoeuvre their north London rivals in the market.
Tonali was described as ‘incredible’ by Luciano Spalletti, the current Juventus boss and former Italy national team manager, underscoring the widespread admiration for the player’s abilities.
The midfielder is regarded as a combative and energetic presence who presses relentlessly and moves the ball efficiently, qualities that would suit the style manager De Zerbi is looking to implement at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Bridging the gap between Spurs’ £75m bid and Newcastle’s £100m valuation remains the central obstacle, and it is unclear whether a compromise figure can be agreed upon between the two clubs.