Liverpool have now entered the race to sign Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali, alongside multiple Premier League clubs, according to TEAMtalk.
The Merseyside club kept their powder dry during the January transfer window, confirming just one addition. Liverpool secured the signature of Rennes centre-back Jeremy Jacquet, but he will join in the summer rather than the winter.
Arne Slot didn't improve his side in the market, despite suffering injury blows to the likes of Conor Bradley, Jeremie Frimpong, and Joe Gomez of late. The Reds are also without Alexander Isak, who was hit with a serious leg injury after a collision with Tottenham defender Micky Van de Ven earlier in the season.
Liverpool Enter Race for £100m Star
Sandro Tonali in action for Newcastle United against Manchester United in the Premier League
According to a report from TEAMtalk, Liverpool have entered the race to sign Newcastle midfielder Tonali, and have made contact with his representatives over a possible move. The Magpies view Tonali as a 'cornerstone' of their project, so it won't be easy for the Reds to prise him away from St James' Park.
Journalist Mike McGrath has recently claimed that Newcastle could demand in the region of £100m for Tonali if they are to sanction an exit in the summer transfer window. Multiple Premier League clubs are also in the race to sign Tonali, with his agent stirring the pot in the last few weeks.
It looks as though Tonali, described as 'world-class', could be one of the hot topics in the summer transfer window later this year.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot before facing Barnsley in the FA Cup. Related
'The Word From Liverpool Is' - Arne Slot Sack Update Emerges After Man City Defeat
It's another disappointing result for Liverpool.
Tonali's Agent Cautious on Newcastle Future
Sandro Tonali applauding the Newcastle United supporters
Tonali's agent certainly hasn't ruled out a departure in the near future for his client, suggesting that talks will take place ahead of the summer.
“Newcastle are having a hard time letting go of Sandro, and he wants to lead the club to the Champions League. These transfer discussions will take place later. We'll see how the season ends and then we'll decide what to do. There's no preference at the moment. It's still early. What we're saying today won't apply tomorrow. Newcastle couldn't let him go now, and there's no point in moving, especially since Sandro is very attached to the club. We'll evaluate and decide what to do in the summer."
It's certainly not going to make Newcastle fans feel confident that Tonali will remain at the club ahead of the 2026/2027 season. If the Magpies do sanction an exit, it's likely to take a significant fee for them to consider it, so at least it will give Eddie Howe and his recruitment team a healthy transfer kitty to play with.