Newcastle United are keen on Sandro Tonali as an alternative to expensive midfield target Nicolo Barella.
According to The Independent, Sandro Tonali emerged on Newcastle United’s shortlist of new midfielders. The Magpies had been keen to tie up a move for Nicolo Barella but now view the 23-year-old Serie A ace from AC Milan as a viable alternative.
Newcastle United have ambitious plans for the summer but are now showing some concerns with finances. They are now overly comfortable dealing with their priority targets as they are unwilling to match many players’ price tags.
Eddie Howe’s top priority is bringing in a new midfielder to ease the pressure on the current setup. He would ideally like someone to come in at the base of midfield to push Bruno Guimaraes in an advanced role. He would also like an attacking midfielder, with James Maddison as the top target.
They are so far showing unwillingness to pay even £50 million, with Newcastle United pushing to close the deal at a lower price. The report insists Leicester City are demanding close to £90 million for the England international, which would throw Howe’s side out of the race.
Meanwhile, reports of Newcastle’s interest in Nicolo Barella emerged. Talk in Italy about the midfielder has been rife, which may point towards the Italian looking for an exit or that Inter Milan are ready to cash in. Yet, the Nerazzuri are reportedly demanding at least €80 million to let him leave, which again is a high price point for the Magpies.
There were weak links to Marseille’s Matteo Guendouzi, but that may not be the profile Howe wants. Now, the name of Sandro Tonali emerges on their shortlist, as he could become a viable target for the price tag Newcastle want.
Tonali signed with Milan for about €15 million plus the €5 million loan fee they paid a season earlier. Hence, offering close to €50-60 million in the current market may tempt Rossoneri to consider offers, but the player’s wish may also seem necessary.
The 23-year-old Serie A ace has proven his worth for Milan and the Italian national side. He is a solid midfielder who would improve teams and has plenty of years ahead of him. He could shine in this Newcastle side and elevate their overall quality.
Whether he is a financially viable target remains the question, as Milan could place a similar tag as Inter Milan did with Barella. In hindsight, Tonali seems like an alternative to his compatriot for Newcastle, but they might eventually prioritise a move for Maddison.
