Anthony Gordon is heading for the St James' Park exit but Sandro Tonali's future remains unclear.
Newcastle United want to keep Sandro Tonali but would sanction a big-money sale on their terms.
With the dust yet to settle on the Premier League season, Anthony Gordon is already heading to Barcelona for £70million plus add-ons. This is a change in tack from the damaging saga that derailed the summer transfer window 12 months ago.
Last year, the Magpies were held to ransom by a sulking superstar who refused to train or play. Alexander Isak was granted his wish on deadline day and has been dealt a deadly dose of karma since.
His debut season at Liverpool was a nightmare - with more injuries than goals across all competitions. Toon chiefs desperately wanted to avoid an Isak repeat - and have done so by securing Gordon’s swift departure.
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Sandro Tonali transfer saga
Barcelona pipped Bayern Munich to the post and Newcastle will pocket a tidy sum in return. Attention now switches to Tonali, the subject of intense speculation all season.
His agent, Beppe Riso, has publicly stated on several occasions that a summer switch is likely. The Gazette reported in March that Tonali’s camp believe he has a gentleman’s agreement to leave if Newcastle do not secure European football.
As for Newcastle, they place a steeper price tag on Tonali than Gordon. It is understood the Magpies rate the Italian as one of Europe’s best midfielders who could fetch closer to the £90million mark.
Likewise with Gordon, if any potential suitor stumps up his valuation, Newcastle would permit his exit. His price tag rules out Serie A clubs but reports have linked Arsenal and Manchester United with his signature.
David Hopkinson open to sale
In March, Newcastle CEO David Hopkinson publicly vowed there will never be another “Isak-like scenario” on Tyneside - a man of his word given recent events. He told reporters: “We think through what players might or might not want to do this summer.
“But if an Isak-like scenario presents itself again, any player under contract is going to leave on our terms and we’re going to maximise the opportunity that might represent for the club. Going forward, our strategy is to buy well and sell well.”
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