Man City Director of Football Hugo Viana is willing to use up to four players in a part-exchange offer for Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali, according to reports.
The Magpies value the Italian international at £100m, and TEAMtalk claim that Viana could propose a player swap in order to reduce the cost of the deal.
Newcastle have shown strong interest in James Trafford, and with the keeper expected to move at the end of the season, the England international would be a candidate for an exchange.
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Similarly, Rico Lewis, Issa Kabore and Juma Bah are other players who could be proposed in negotiations with Eddie Howe’s side.
Tonali has plenty of suitors
While the 25-year-old has not overtly expressed a desire to leave Newcastle, his representatives have been actively cultivating interest in the player over the past few months.
In addition to City, rivals Manchester United are said to be particularly determined to land the Italian, while both Arsenal and Chelsea have also had contact with Tonali’s agents.
Man City want more than one midfielder
Pep Guardiola’s side also keen on recruiting Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson (who could cost in the region of £90m himself), and in that context, it is understandable that Viana wants to use players in order to reduce the amounts the Cityzens have to pay.
Of course, a lot will still depend on Newcastle. Trafford is definitely someone they would like to sign. They have tried to recruit him in the last two summers but failed to agree a fee on both occasions.
It is less certain whether Lewis, Kabore or Bah would be seen as attractive options. Lewis may only be considered a target if Tino Livramento leaves, while Kabore and Bah have no Premier League experience.
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