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.
Maddison still open to Newcastle transfer
Their interest in Maddison is ongoing and Newcastle have a good relationship with his agents CAA Base. Tottenham are making a strong case but i has been told the player has been assessing options for his next move for months and is open to moving to St James’ Park.
His England teammates Kieran Trippier and Callum Wilson are also understood to have spoken to him about the club on international duty.
Newcastle would be prepared to do deals for both Tonali and Maddison but want to negotiate on Leicester’s £60m asking price for the latter. Tottenham have also not met that valuation.
A source stressed to i that Newcastle have other targets but the preference is to make swift progress in the transfer market, with players added before the club return for pre-season at the start of July.
They are also looking to move some fringe players on, with Ryan Fraser attracting Championship interest while Karl Darlow is wanted by Hull City and Middlesbrough.
Isaac Hayden and Jeff Hendrick, who spent last season on loan at Norwich and Reading respectively, have returned to Newcastle but also expect to move on.
from Football - inews.co.uk https://ift.tt/ALdXtWO
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