Sandro Tonali is called the “new Andrea Pirlo”. Photo: Reuters/Massimo Pinca
Newcastle United are in talks with AC Milan. over Italian midfielder Sandro Tonali over a deal that could be worth £60m to take Eddie Howe's priority position in the transfer market this summer.
Howe wanted the No. 6 midfielder for next season's Champions League campaign and Nicolò Barella was offered last week, although Inter Milan were pushing for 80 million euros.
Newcastle stayed in Serie A and turned to Tonali, who is likely to be significantly cheaper.
It is understood that the player's agents were in London on Wednesday trying to move the deal forward.
Tonali, 23, has been with the San Siro for three years, first on loan from Brescia, which has turned into a permanent deal. Andrea Pirlo downplays comparisons between himself and Tonali despite the young midfielder being hailed as the heir to the great midfielder Azzurri.
Tonali was not part of the Italy squad that won Euro 2020, but got into Roberto Mancini's mind and started against England in a March qualifier won by Gareth Southgate's side. As a longtime Milan supporter, he has the option of leaving the club by winning Serie A.
Howe wanted the midfielder to support Bruno Guimarães and Joelinton next season as Champions League qualification will bring extra matches and the need to compete in key areas. Sean Longstaff is another option in the middle of the field, but the priority was to add a quality signing in this area.
There is also interest in James Maddison, who is expected to leave Leicester City this summer after relegation to the Championship. But the England midfielder will face intense competition from Tottenham Hotspur.
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