Fabrizio Romano says Newcastle now face ‘difficult’ transfer situation

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Last week, it was Nicolo Barella. This week, its Sandro Tonali.

Newcastle United continue to be linked with big name midfielders all across Europe as Eddie Howe attempts to ramp up his recruitment ahead of pre-season.

Clearly, Newcastle cannot sign every player they are being linked to but Tonali is particularly exciting.

Compared to Andrea Pirlo, the club’s interest in the AC Milan star is said to be concrete, so much so that they are reportedly willing to pay him £150k-per-week.

A Serie A title winner and a player with Champions League experience, the Italian international would be a statement signing.

Still, actually landing him might prove difficult.

Fabrizio Romano drops fresh Sandro Tonali update

Indeed, speaking on his YouTube channel, noted transfer insider Fabrizio Romano offered a fresh update as to Newcastle’s chase of Tonali.

While Romano confirms the Magpies intend to bid for the 23-year-old, his emotional connection to Milan might make things difficult.

“What we can say is that it’s a reality. Newcastle like Sandro Tonali, Newcastle have Sandro Tonali on their list but as we already said for Nicolo Barella last week, this is a very similar case,” he said.

“Newcastle would love to sign Sandro Tonali as they would love to sign Nicolo Barella but the main point is first of all the value of the bid because Milan want important money or nothing.

“Tonali is more than an important player for Milan, and then there’s the player’s side.

“It’s crucial to say because Tonali is a big Milan fan, he’s a Milan symbol and so to convince Sandro Tonali is going to be absolutely difficult, same as it was for Nicolo Barella.

“So, this is the situation, let’s see how the conversation goes.

“Interest, yes, intention to bid too, but the reality is the player’s side is absolutely crucial for Barella and Tonali.”

Landing Tonali would be an almighty coup

During his time working at Roma, the legendary Francesco Totti confirmed he would “do anything” to sign Tonali, backing him to become “one of the best midfielders” in the world.

While comparisons to Pirlo are obvious given his position and, frankly, appearance, Tonali seems well-suited to the Premier League style.

Writing last May, Italian football expert James Horncastle claimed (via Optus): “Tonali’s game is about athleticism, hunger and desire and the progression he’s made this season makes him not only the most improved player on the team but one of the faces of the Scudetto.”

To land such a big name player with so much of his career ahead of him would be a major statement.

Still, given his connection to Milan, it does not look easy.