Sandro Tonali has been linked with a clutch of Newcastle United's rivals but one thing is abundantly clear from the top
Sandro Tonali
Sandro Tonali(Image: Newcastle United via Getty Image)
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Newcastle United will stick to their guns on Sandro Tonali if any of their Premier League rivals come calling for Sandro Tonali this summer.
Toon bosses and PIF are believed to be dismayed by the way Tonali's name has been circulated for a summer transfer but will approach what has been an unfortunate transfer saga in bullish manner. On deadline day, a third party leaked details of interest from Arsenal, but such talk was immediately shut down from the corridors of power at St James' Park.
Since then, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Manchester United have been linked, while the usual links with Juventus have also followed. Juve can be ruled out instantly as they won't be able to afford the huge fee that will be demanded by United IF they decide to part ways with Tonali.
But the likes of Liverpool and other Premier League rivals could be frustrated by Newcastle's asking price and a similar fee of around £125m that the Reds were forced to pay for Alexander Isak would be needed.
However, between now and then, Newcastle have firm control of Tonali's future.
Agent talk aside, Tonali is happy at the club and enjoys working with head coach Eddie Howe and his staff. CEO David Hopkinson has a firm stance on players who are unhappy and will look nto the background of why Tonali may be distracted.
Tonali is contracted until 2029 and has a further year on offer after that deal expires. But given Newcastle see Tonali as one of the best midfielders in world football right now, a testament to a recruitment policy that has recently came under fire by critics, they will be open to discussions on a new deal if that's what is needed to keep Newcastle competing at the top.
Howe said: "Sandro’s very happy here. He’s got a great relationship with me and his teammates and he seems really, really, happy within himself. I don’t see an issue, but I’m not in control of everything. If I knew where everything [rumours] came from I’d be wiser. But Sandro is absolutely fine. I had discussions with him yesterday. His focus is on the here and now with us.
"There’s no issue with Sandro. He’s happy and committed. But our best players will always be attracting glances from other clubs – that’s just the reality of football."
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