Tottenham Hotspur plot Newcastle United transfer hijack
Spurs interest in Sandro Tonali
Roberto De Zerbi’s side could also move for Magpies target Said El Mala
Tottenham Hotspur interest in Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali has gripped the transfer rumour mill this week, but stealing the Italian away from St James’ Park may not be the only blow the London outfit lands.
The Magpies are aware they must sell at least one more first team star this summer to balance the books and will not stand in the way of Tonali, should an offer near the £100 million mark be fielded by Spurs.
Newcastle are under no pressure to green light an exit with the midfielder contracted until 2029 and the likes of Lewis Hall, Tino Livramento and Nick Pope all potential sales.
Losing Tonali would be a blow for Eddie Howe. The 26-year-old made 53 appearances across all competitions last season, racking up 4,019.
The feeling is that Spurs will look to push a transfer through before the end of the World Cup, given that Tonali and Italy are not involved in the competition. Roberto De Zerbi’s side could then hand the Magpies another setback.
Tottenham Hotspur ‘open talks’ over Said El Mala
TEAMtalk report that Tottenham have ‘opened talks’ over the signing of Cologne forward Said El Mala, in a bid to beat Newcastle to that deal.
The Magpies have been linked with El Mala for months and TEAMtalk had claimed earlier in June that talks were underway to sign the winger.
Newcastle are in the market for an Anthony Gordon replacement. Osasuna man Victor Munoz is the number one target but is set to cost just £26 million, which would leave more funds to spend from the £69 million banked by selling Gordon.
It’s claimed that Spurs made ‘regular checks’ on El Mala throughout last season and made first contact with the 19-year-old’s representatives last week.
Spurs look to beat Newcastle United to signing
A £35 million price tag has been slapped on the player, who has netted 27 goals in 81 senior games over in Germany.
A sticking point in negotiations with Premier League clubs is believed to be El Mala’s parents, who represent him, pushing for interested parties to also snap up his younger brother Malek El Mala from Cologne.
That had led to Brentford stepping away from a deal but it’s reported that Tottenham could be open to a conversation and a ‘compromise’ over a potential dual transfer move for the siblings.
In other news, Newcastle United issue Dan Burn message that leaves Geordies ’emotional’.