Newcastle United have now surged into the race for a "true superstar" of world football, with the PIF submitting an enquiry.
Newcastle eyeing midfielder amid Tonali uncertainty
Newcastle secured their place in the last 16 of the Champions League with a 3-2 victory against Qarabag on Tuesday night, and the 9-3 aggregate scoreline displays the disparity between the sides across the two legs.
However, Sandro Tonali wasn't happy with the Magpies' performance in the second half, saying: "It was a very great game for the first 10 minutes.
"I'm not very happy with the second half because we play just with the result because we scored nine goals but we had to do more because these fans deserve 100 per cent for 90 minutes every game.
"The first thing was don't concede a goal and the second half first 10 minutes we concede the first goal and it was a stupid goal."
Tonali being so critical after a win is indicative of the Italian's high standards, but his future at St. James' Park is uncertain, with it recently being revealed he would be interested in joining Manchester United this summer.
Should the 25-year-old depart, the Tynesiders may have their work cut out trying to find a replacement, but they have now made an approach to sign a Serie A star.
That is according to a report from Sports Boom, which states Newcastle have now lodged an enquiry about a deal for Napoli's Scott McTominay, although the PIF may have to shell out up to £70m to get a deal over the line.
scott-mctominay-scotland-rangers
Crystal Palace and former employers Man United are also credited with an interest in the Scot, who lifted the Scudetto during his first season in Italy, so Eddie Howe, who is said to be desperate to improve his midfield options, could face stiff competition.
"Superstar" McTominay could be fantastic signing for Newcastle
Of course, Tonali leaving this summer would be far from ideal, given just how important the central midfielder has been this season, making 42 appearances in all competitions, but the Napoli star could be a solid replacement.
Content creator Adam Joseph is particularly fond of the 2024/25 Serie A MVP, describing him as a "true superstar" of both European and world football earlier this season.
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The Magpies are eyeing a move for 21-year-old.
The Scotland international is excellent at winning back possession, winning possession in the final third an average of 0.9 times per 90 in the Serie A this season, which is more than any other Napoli player.
Not only that, but McTominay also provides an attacking threat, chipping in with 23 goals and ten assists in 70 matches since leaving United to join the Italian side, but £70m would be a huge fee to pay for a 29-year-old.