According to his agent, Newcastle United are close to signing Italy midfielder Sandro Tonali from Serie A club AC Milan.
In the next days, the 23-year-old is anticipated to sign a six-year contract and complete his physical.
Tonali’s agent, Giuseppe Riso, told Italian media that the transfer may be valued up to 80 million euros (£68.5 million) with add-ons.
He stated that final details are being worked out by both parties.
“When such an important offer is received, it is difficult to refuse for both the club and the player,” he explained.
Newcastle and Tonali have agreed on personal conditions, according to Riso.
Tonali helped Milan win the Italian championship in 2021-22 and was a member of the team that reached the Champions League semi-finals last season.
He is presently representing Italy at the Under-21 European Championships.
Tonali rose through the ranks at Brescia, making his professional debut in Serie B at the age of 17.
Brescia were promoted to Serie A in 2018-19, and while the team was demoted the following season, Tonali earned his Italy debut in October 2019 as a substitute against Liechtenstein.
In the summer of 2020, he joined AC Milan on loan and, after making the move permanent the following year, he scored five goals in 36 top-flight games as the club won the Italian title in 2022.
Tonali scored twice in 34 Serie A appearances as Milan finished fourth last season, while he made 12 Champions League appearances before losing to rivals Inter in the semi-finals.
Tonali to be the first of two’marquee’ signings?
Luke Edwards of The Daily Telegraph on BBC Radio 5 Live
It’s a fantastic signing. Tonali created 22 chances in Serie A last season, which is extraordinary for a deep-lying midfielder.
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe was undoubtedly getting antsy, as all managers do at this time of year when no players are coming in through the door.
They signed Nicolo Barella from Inter Milan, but I believe the asking price was closer to £100 million, and now they’ve signed Tonali, who is a fantastic player. He will be a huge success at Newcastle, in my opinion.
Because Newcastle has been quoted such exorbitant fees and the pound signs flare up for teams whenever they are involved, I believe they will only make one more high-priced acquisition this summer. That will constitute the majority of the budget, after which they will seek value for money.
