AC Milan have rejected £40m from Newcastle United for Sandro Tonali as hope fades on the player joining the the English side. This is also as United have been told James Maddison is still open to a move to St James’ Park despite reports linking him to Tottenham.
Newcastle United are stepping up efforts to recruit two high calibre midfielders to reinforce their squad ahead of their return to the Champions League and have bid for AC Milan’s highly-rated Sandro Tonali.
This is a pivotal summer for the Magpies, who are balancing the need for substantial upgrades in their engine room with the limitations of Financial Fair Play regulations.
But sources have indicated to i that recruitment activity has stepped up in recent days, and their interest in Tonali reflects the club’s desire to bring in quality over quantity this summer.
Newcastle also want James Maddison as they look to re-shape their midfield but it is the Italy under-21 captain Tonali who they have made a first move for. An offer in excess of £40m is being reported in Italy.
Sources in Italy claim their first offer has been rejected but dialogue remains open between the two clubs.
Tonali ticks every box for Newcastle. He can play in several midfield roles, is technically outstanding and has Champions League experience with Milan. He would also not require them to significantly disrupt their wage structure, although they would hope to tempt him with a significant pay bump.
Newcastle also have an interest in Inter’s highly-rated Nicolo Barella but that deal looks difficult to do, with sources in Italy claiming only an “eye-watering offer” would change their stance that he is not for sale.
Inter need to sell to buy and are spinning plates in the market, with goalkeeper Andre Onana available and attracting interest from Manchester United. But all the noises around Barella are that it would require significantly in excess of the £40m quoted last week.
