Newcastle United made Sandro Tonali their marquee midfield signing this summer, but he was not the only player on the Magpies’ radar.
There were plenty of other players linked with a move to Tyneside. Dominik Szoboszlai and James Maddison were considered before they joined Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur respectively, while Lucas Paqueta was discussed.
But Newcastle went for Tonali, and made him their second most expensive signing ever. He has enjoyed a mixed start to life on Tyneside, but it is clear that he is going to develop into an absolute star in black and white.
That is why Toon officials will be happy with their decision to prioritise the 23-year-old Italian.
Meanwhile, another player who Newcastle looked to sign before Tonali is now set to be offered a contract extension after missing out on a summer move away.
Eberechi Eze set for new Crystal Palace contract talks after Newcastle interest
According to the Athletic, Crystal Palace are going to open contract talks with Eberechi Eze to extend his stay at Selhurst Park.
The 25-year-old was linked with a move away from the Eagles during the summer transfer window, with Pep Guardiola trying to bring him to Manchester City. However, he was not able to and instead signed Matheus Nunes from Wolves.
But Manchester City were not the only club who looked at Eze. It was reported by the Evening Standard that Newcastle actually discussed making a move for the former QPR man before going all out for Tonali.
Eze actually would have been more expensive for Newcastle, as the Evening Standard added in their August report that Palace value their star player at £70million.
Therefore, Newcastle have got someone younger, better and with more potential for less money. Great business.
But Eze would also have been a hit at St James’ Park, and is obviously someone who Eddie Howe admires, as this was not the first time Newcastle have looked to sign him.
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