Liverpool are reportedly interested in a hugely talented Newcastle United starplaceholder image
Liverpool are reportedly interested in a hugely talented Newcastle United star | Getty Images
Liverpool are reportedly interested in Newcastle star Sandro Tonali
When Liverpool and Newcastle United do business it tends to be something that hits the headlines.
Liverpool’s decision to sign Alexander Isak for the summer for a British record figure of £125m, rising to £130m with add-ons is a prime example.That saga dragged on throughout the entirety of the summer was the subject of heated debate from supporters around the world.
That move so far hasn’t gone to plan due to the Swede’s injury woes, and it was a similar story in 2010 when the Reds signed Andy Carroll for £35m to make him the most expensive player in the club’s history at the time.
However, Liverpool have struck gold with signing some Newcastle stars, take Peter Beardsley in 1987 for example, who scored 61 times in 175 games. Terry McDermott more than a decade later, who played more than 200 games in defence. There’s also even more recent examples such as Dietmaar Hamann, who became a Champions League winner, and Jose Enrique, who was a solid utility player under Brendan Rodgers. And now Liverpool are reportedly planning another big move for a highly-valued Newcastle star. Here’s the latest.
Liverpool interested in ‘unsettled’ Sandro Tonali
They reported in January that the Reds are keen to bolster their midfield with a marquee name and are ready to test the Magpies resolve once again after signing Isak from them despite them initially stating that the forward was ‘unequivocally not for sale’.
The Italian was one of the very best players in the Premier League last season, and proved that in the Carabao Cup final with a stellar display against Liverpool. He also helped the team qualify for the Champions League last season, but has experienced a slight dip in form this term amid injuries to those around him such as Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton as well as the notable Isak void in the squad.
Tonali is reportedly growing unsettled at the club despite the loyalty shown to him during his gambling ban. Reports from Sky Germany claimed Arsenal were interested in a deadline day move for Tonali. Those were later denied by Fabrizio Romano.
Giuseppe Riso, the player’s agent, however, has left a number of big clubs on red alert. He said: “Newcastle are having a hard time letting go of Sandro, and he wants to lead the club to the Champions League,” Riso said, as per the Times.
“We’ll evaluate and decide what to do in the summer. These transfer discussions will take place later.”
Newcastle are currently in the bottom half and need to make huge strides if they are to cement their place in Europe’s elite competition amid a series of inconsistent displays.
Howe when discussing the speculation himself commented:” Our best players are always going to attract glances from other clubs. That's just the reality of football. We want to keep the group together. We want to keep progressing and, of course, Sandro plays a part in that in trying to hit his best levels and play as well as he can to help the team. All encompassed, I don't see an issue but I'm not in control of everything."
How much is Sandro Tonali likely to cost?
Reports from Fichajes claim Tonali could be valued at around £100m based on his importance to the North East club. This makes it difficult for any club to sign him unless the player goes public about his desire to leave as was the case with Isak.
However, it’s worth noting that Liverpool do have a trump card to pay in this scenario, and that is the fact that Newcastle are reportedly interested in Curtis Jones.
Jones has played over 200 matches for Liverpool and has been a solid squad player for a number of years. However, he’s under contract in 2027 and could potentially depart in the summer before his deal expires.
He’s been linked with Newcastle, who are looking for a player to help fill the void of a potential Tonali exit. Jones in some ways fits that bill.
Meaning if Liverpool were to try and approach Tonali they could somewhere in the region of £70m for the Italian while including Jones as a potential sweetener in negotiations.
It’s a deal which could divide opinion with both sets of supporters but potentially give Liverpool an advantage over other linked clubs like Arsenal and Manchester City.
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