Italy manager Roberto Mancini would ‘regret’ a young player of Sandro Tonali’s quality leaving Italy, although he admitted the 23-year-old would benefit on a technical level from playing in the Premier League.
Newcastle sporting director Dan Ashworth is currently in Italy negotiating a £55 million move for the AC Milan star, after something of a breakthrough campaign that saw him play 48 games.
Tonali, who is currently away with Italy Under 21s at the Euros, has been nicknamed the ‘new Pirlo’ as both midfielders started at Brescia before joining Milan.
He is a more industrious player than the Italy legend, though, and could be vital in feeding Newcastle’s attacking players if he does sign.
For Mancini, who knows the Premier League well after winning the title with Man City, seeing Tonali leave Serie A would be a big blow.
‘On the one hand there is a bit of regret if a good young player like Tonali leaves Italy means that there are some problems,’ he told Sky Sports Italia.
All of the youngster’s 14 full international caps have come in Mancini’s time in charge of Italy, and the manager, who had a brief stint in England with Leicester at the end of his playing career, did cite some benefits to the planned transfer.
‘On a technical level, playing in the Premier League will be useful for Tonali, it’s good for him.’ he said.
Tonali himself does not appear keen on leaving the San Siro, although the decision may be taken out of his hands.
Eddie Howe’s side remain active in other transfer pursuits, with Antonee Robinson emerging as a potential target. The Fulham fullback is expected to cost around £35 million after an excellent 2023/23 campaign.
Newcastle are joined in their pursuit by Marseilles and Man City, with the USA international unlikely to stay at Craven Cottage with 12 months left on his contract.
Crystal Palace’s Joachim Anderson is also being eyed to add cover at centre back, with Hertha Berlin forward Derry Scherhant also on their list.
Howe will be desperate to add as much as possible depth to his side ahead of their return to the Champions League next season.
