Report: Tottenham eye Newcastle star Sandro Tonali as top target

Spurs manager Roberto De Zerbi has identified Tonali as a transfer priority as he looks to rebuild the squad following a season in which his charges narrowly avoided relegation from the Premier League.

A central aim of Tottenham's recruitment plan is to improve the technical quality of the side, particularly by adding a midfielder capable of controlling the tempo and dictating play from deeper areas.

De Zerbi is expected to have significant influence over transfer decisions this off-season, and a potential move for Tonali would underline the club's commitment to backing him and investing heavily in squad improvement.

However, any deal is expected to be difficult. Newcastle United are reluctant to sell and would only consider a transfer for a substantial fee.

Tonali is contracted to Newcastle until 2029 and signed his deal in 2024, during a 10-month gambling ban. The agreement does not include a release clause, which significantly strengthens Newcastle's negotiating position.

Tonali is regarded as one of the Premier League's top midfielders and has previously attracted interest from Arsenal, Manchester City and Manchester United.

At present, however, both Manchester clubs are focusing on other midfield targets. Manchester City are in talks with Nottingham Forest over Elliot Anderson, while Manchester United have agreed a deal for Atalanta's Ederson and are also pursuing West Ham's Mateus Fernandes.