Tottenham Hotspur are just two steps from a club-record signing of Sandro Tonali.
Personal terms with the Newcastle midfielder are already in place, and a financial package between the clubs has now been agreed.
The deal would shatter their transfer record. Spurs are prepared to pay around £100m, obliterating the £65m they spent on Dominic Solanke.
Tonali is set to earn close to £300,000 a week once bonuses are included, TEAMtalk reports.
Only two hurdles now remain. A full agreement on the transfer fee with Newcastle must be reached, followed by a successful medical.
Talks between the clubs are ongoing and expected to accelerate in the coming days.
Spurs close on club-record Tonali deal with Newcastle
Roberto De Zerbi has been the decisive factor. The Italian held positive personal talks with his compatriot, who is enthusiastic about playing under his progressive style.
The pair share roots near Brescia and struck up a strong understanding during negotiations.
The player’s desire is clear, too. Tonali wants to leave St James’ Park and is drawn to life in London after his time in the north-east. His known wish to move has added real momentum to the deal.
There is a complication, however. Manchester City remain interested despite spending £116m on Elliot Anderson, and could yet test Spurs’ resolve.
That Anderson benchmark has also pushed Newcastle’s valuation nearer £116m than a flat £100m.
Excl. – Sandro #Tonali is getting closer to #Tottenham from #Newcastle for a transfer fee over €100M. The midfielder has a total agreement with #THFC for a contract until 2032 (€12M/year) and has given his availability to De Zerbi, who had a key-role to convince him despite… https://t.co/cDV9xbDhuf
Tonali forms part of an ambitious midfield overhaul. De Zerbi wants both the Italian and West Ham’s Mateus Fernandes, with Spurs having reportedly beaten Manchester United to the latter. Landing both would represent a statement of intent.
The spending spree reflects lessons learned. Spurs survived relegation only on the final day and have already added Van Hecke, Robertson, Senesi and Dubravka.
Their pursuit of Tonali, though, would be the boldest move yet, and the clearest sign of De Zerbi’s growing pull.
Excl. – Sandro #Tonali is getting closer to #Tottenham from #Newcastle for a transfer fee over €100M. The midfielder has a total agreement with #THFC for a contract until 2032 (€12M/year) and has given his availability to De Zerbi, who had a key-role to convince him despite… https://t.co/cDV9xbDhuf
