Sandro Tonali update from Fabrizio Romano as Tottenham interest intensifies

Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali looks set for a move away from St James' Park this summer, but where he ends up is still very much up for debate.

Tottenham Hotspur were thought to be leading the way at one point before Manchester City came to the fore. It looks as though Arsenal and Manchester United have moved on to other targets, however.

Spurs are undergoing a big rebuild under Roberto De Zerbi, and Sandro Tonali would be a huge piece of that if they were able to meet Newcastle's demands.

Fabrizio 'Dream Smasher' Romano is at it again

Fabrizio Romano was the man who broke the news of Spurs' interest in Tonali, and now the Italian journalist has made big claims that the 26-year-old wants the move to London, as covered on his YouTube channel.

This comes after breaking the news that Liverpool had hijacked Newcastle's move for Victor Munoz too, making for a pretty brutal 24 hours.

Romano insists that the financials involved won't be a problem in terms of Tonali's contract, and talks up his link to De Zerbi, who is also from Brescia. However, the one hurdle will be the price tag, with Newcastle demanding over £85m. 

“So first of all, Tottenham are in conversations with Sandro Tonali's camp, Second, Sandro Tonali wants to go to Tottenham and so he's keen on the move, and I don't think it's going to be any problem with the player financially or in terms of contract.

“Also because the connection with De Zerbi is very clear. They are both from Brescia, same city, so the connection is very good. And also important to mention on this one about Sandro Tonali, soon Tottenham will reach out to Newcastle to start conversations.

“Then the price is going to be the point, let's see. I think the expectation is going be around €100million [£86.5million], maybe something more as initial request and then let's see the conversation.

“But De Zerbi is pushing and so let's wait for the club-to-club negotiation, but Tottenham are in it."

Tonali and De Zerbi links a stretch?

The idea that Sandro Tonali and Roberto De Zerbi have a connection because they are from the same town feels a bit desperate. I grew up near where Sir Bobby Robson is from, but I never knew the man. Tonali and De Zerbi have never worked together; they might not even get on, for all we know. This clutching at straws to sell the story reeks of a man pushing the story. 

That being said, we do believe that the interest is genuine and that Tonali would be open to the move, although if Manchester City pursue their interest, that could throw a spanner in the works for Spurs.

Either way, it's starting to look inevitable that the Italian will be playing elsewhere next season. If Newcastle can secure a replacement, without Liverpool sniping them, then we will get over it.