Newcastle United are closing in on a £60 million deal for AC Milan midfielder Sandro Tonali as the Magpies look set to secure their first signing of the summer transfer window.
The 23-year-old, who has 14 Italy caps, is considered one of the brightest young talents in Serie A and his arrival would be a significant boost for Newcastle ahead of their return to Champions League football next season.
Manager Eddie Howe has been in the market for a defensive midfielder that will free up Brazil international Bruno Guimaraes to play a more attacking role in his team. They had also been linked with Inter Milan midfielder Nicolo Barella but have instead swooped for a player at their San Siro rivals.
Newcastle broke their club-record deal when they signed forward Alexander Isak from Real Sociedad for £63 million last summer but the Tonali transfer is likely to exceed that figure once add-ons are included.
Once completed, it will take Newcastle's spending since they were taken over by a Saudi Arabian-led consortium in October 2021 to more than £300 million.
Reports suggest that Chelsea are also interested in the player and Newcastle sporting director Dan Ashworth has been pictured in Milan trying to finalise the move.
Newcastle have also been linked with moves for Arsenal left-back Kieran Tierney and Leicester City attacking-midfielder James Maddison but Financial Fair Play restrictions following their heavy outlay on new players since January 2022 will put a limit on spending this window.
Newcastle season ratings
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NEWCASTLE UNITED 2022/23 SEASON RATINGS: GOALKEEPER: Nick Pope 9: Enjoyed a superb first season on Tyneside as Newcastle conceded the joint fewest goals in the top flight, along with champions Manchester City. An ever-present in the league, with only David de Gea at Manchester United keeping more clean sheets (17) than Pope's 14. His lone disappointment was missing the League Cup final after being sent-off against Liverpool. AP -
DEFENDERS: Kieran Trippier 9: Captain Trippier is the heartbeat and driving force of Eddie Howe's side. Has bought into the project from the moment he signed from Atletico Madrid in January 2022, his dead-ball skills are a constant threat and his performances earned him a nomination for the Premier League Player of the Year Award. PA -
Sven Botman 9: The ice man at heart of the Newcastle defence, never gets flustered and the classiest centre-half the Magpies have seen since Jonathon Woodgate was in black and white 20 years ago. His form earned a first call-up into the Netherlands senior squad and has been nominated for the Premier League Young Player of the Year Award. Joined last summer and has been one of the league's signings of the season. Reuters -
Fabian Schar 9: Has formed a solid and reliable partnership with Botman in the centre of Newcastle's defence. Out of favour under previous manager Steve Bruce, the Swiss defender is one fo the first names on current manager Eddie Howe's team sheet. Getty -
Jamaal Lascelles 6: Remains a key figure at the club despite very limited game time this season and is handed the captain's armband by Trippier whenever he has appeared as a substitute. Let no one down on the rare occasions he has been called on. Reuters -
Matt Targett 6: Would have expected to be played far more regularly after completing a permanent move from Aston Villa last summer but left-back has been kept out of the team by the form of Dan Burn. Started just one game in 2023. PA -
Dan Burn 8: The giant defender makes for an unlikely left-back but has made the position his own. A local boy playing for his hometown club and clearly living the dream this season. Scored crucial first goal in Newcastle's League Cup quarter-final win against Leicester. Can struggle against pace - given tough times by Manchester United's Antony and West Ham's Jarrod Bowen for example - but never let his head go down. PA -
Javier Manquillo 6: Barely had look-in due the form of Newcastle's regular full-backs but the Spaniard is a useful squad player who play either side of defence. Mostly used as late substitute. Getty -
MIDFIELDERS: Joelinton 9: Continues to be a revelation since moving back from striker to midfield and has become one of the most consistent performers in the top flight. For a player who was so abysmal in front of goal as a striker, the Brazilian powerhouse has even chipped in with eight goals across all competitions this season. Just earned first call-up for his country. Reuters -
Anthony Gordon 6: The jury is still out on the January signing from Everton who has struggled to force his way into a team that was already flying high when he arrived. Manager Howe is convinced he will benefit from a full pre-season with the squad and is expecting big things from the winger, who scored his first goal for club at Chelsea in last game, next term. Getty -
Ryan Fraser 2: A disastrous campaign for the little Scottish winger who played an important role in Newcastle staying up last season. Managed to achieve the seemingly impossible by upsetting Howe, which has meant Fraser trained with the youth team for most of this year and has little or no chance of forcing his way back into favour. EPA -
Jacob Murphy 8: Another player who has blossomed under the coaching of Howe. Previously lacked confidence and composure when it came to final product - particularly in front of goal - but forced his way into Howe's starting line-up, contributing important goals and assists along the way. Getty -
Matt Ritchie 6: Like Lascelles, Ritchie is a stalwart left over the from the previous regimes now limited to late appearances from the bench. Played nearly 200 games for the club and Howe has already stated he would like Ritchie to stay on next season. Getty -
Miguel Almiron 9: Reached double figures for goals in the Premier League for the first time, including a hot streak in the first half of the campaign, scoring seven in as many games. The best of which - a volley against Fulham - will surely go close to winning Premier League's goal of the season award. Getty -
Joe Willock 8: The midfielder started showing the sort of form that could see him winning England caps in future. A tireless runner and key component in the high-pressure game demanded by Howe. If he can rediscover the goals touch that him saw score in seven consecutive games for the Magpies in 2021, a three Lions call-up will be in the post. Getty -
Elliot Anderson 6: Many thought the young Geordie midfielder would play a bigger role than he has after starring while on loan at Bristol Rovers last season. Had to settle for regular appearances off the bench and still awaits his first goal for the club. Getty -
Sean Longstaff 9: Has emerged as one of Howe's most important players with his manager lamenting the Geordie midfielder's absence through injury for a few games late in the season. Relentless running and a dream player for manager and teammates alike, Longstaff has hit new heights this season and credited Howe for saving his Newcastle career. Getty -
Bruno Guimaraes 9: The Brazilian has pulled the strings in midfield and his passing skills are second to none at the club. Struggled with an ankle problem for the last few weeks of the campaign and will welcome summer to recharge his batteries with a Champions League challenge ahead next season. A huge crowd favourite and no surprise to see reports that Real Madrid remain big fans. Getty -
Callum Wilson 9: Finished with his highest top-flight goals tally of 18 from 30 league games, including 11 in his last 12 games. Started and ended the season on fire with his only lull in form and fitness coming on his return from World Cup duty with England in Qatar. Played his most games in a season for Newcastle (35 in all competitions) after two injury-hit campaigns. Reuters -
Chris Wood 6: New Zealand striker chipped in with a couple of goals against Southampton and Leicester before being sent out on loan to Nottingham Forest in January. PA -
MANAGER: Eddie Howe 9: Only defeat in the League Cup final against Machester United - which would have ended the club's 54-year wait for major silverware - prevents top marks. Team were superbly well-drilled defensively. Midfield had an imposing mix of power, pace and passing ability, while three of his attackers reached double figures in goals. Howe's stock continues to rise as his team look forward to Champions League football next season. PA
Tonali joined the Rossoneri from Brescia initially on a season-long loan in 2020/21 before signing permanently the following campaign when he helped Milan win their first Serie A title in 11 years. He has made 130 appearances in total, scoring seven goals.
He was a substitute in the senior Italy side's 2-1 Euro 2024 qualifier defeat by England in March, made 48 appearances for Milan in all competitions last season and started both legs of their Champions League semi-final defeat by city rivals Inter.
Tonali is currently away with Italy Under-21s for the European U21 Championship and the player will complete the first part of his medical in Romania, where the tournament is jointly being held along with Georgia.
Last season, Newcastle finished fourth in the Premier League securing the club's first European campaign since reaching the Europa League quarter-finals in 2012/13 – and first Champions League group stage in 30 years.
They also reached the League Cup final but were beaten by Manchester United at Wembley Stadium meaning the club's 54-year wait for major silverware goes on.
