Newcastle are pushing to complete the signing of Sandro Tonali, with the Milan midfielder expected to join for €70m (£60m) plus add-ons.
Officials from Newcastle were in Italy for talks on Wednesday and there is confidence the transfer will go through. One issue could be a late move from Chelsea, who have spoken to Milan about Tonali, but at this stage the 23-year-old midfielder is expected to move to St James’ Park.
Sealing a deal for the Italian will be a major boost for Eddie Howe as he prepares to lead Newcastle into the Champions League. Howe wants to strengthen in midfield and Tonali is regarded as one of the brightest young talents in Italy.
He has been a revelation for Milan since joining in September 2020 on a season-long loan from Brescia. The Rossoneri signed Tonali permanently for €15m plus add-ons the following summer and a year later he helped them to lift the Serie A title. He has 14 Italy caps.
The fee for the boyhood Milan fan is likely to eclipse Newcastle’s club-record deal for Alexander Isak, who cost an initial £59m last August. Before that Joelinton was their biggest signing at £40m in 2019, but the takeover by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund means their record fee is likely to go up and up in the coming years.