NEWCASTLE are set to complete a record signing of Sandro Tonali, handing manager Eddie Howe his first major signing of the summer.
Howe’s Champions League side have been chasing the 23-year-old Italian international over the past few days.
They had an initial £43m bid rejected by Milan for the defensive midfielder.
But Newcastle and Tonali already agreed a six-year package with worth £8m-a-year and looked to negotiate a fee with Milan.
Now according to Fabrizio Romano, an agreement of £60m fee with add-ons has been struck.
It would make Tonali the most expensive Italian player in history.
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He originally joined Milan on loan from Brescia three years ago before the move was made permanent in 2021.
Tonali made 48 appearances for Stefano Pioli’s side this season, scoring two goals and adding ten assists.
The plater won the Serie A with Milan in 2022 before reaching the Champions League semi-finals this season.
Newcastle fans got a glimpse of their new man in action as he pulled the strings for Italy in their U21 Euro opener against France.
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Tonali shined from set-pieces all night, and it was his pinpoint curling free-kick that found the head of Pietro Pellegri to finish and make it 1-1.
France would eventually run out 2-1 winners but the Toon Army could not contain their excitement over the incoming ace.
Elsewhere, Newcastle want to bolster their squad with a new winger, centre-back and full-back.
James Maddison and Marc Cucurella have both been linked with moves to St James’ Park for those areas.
Newcastle will kick start the new season with a clash against Unai Emery’s Aston Villa.
Tonali would become Newcastle’s second signing of the summer, having brought in 18-year-old Yankuba Minteh earlier in the window.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
