Newcastle think they are signing a player who can be as good as Declan Rice

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Newcastle United are signing a marquee midfielder this summer, but that honour will not go to Declan Rice.

The West Ham captain was linked with a move to St James’ Park, and would have been a dream signing for the majority of supporters. Newcastle wanted to hold talks with Rice, but were well aware that he would be out of their price range.

That has proven to be the case, with the 24-year-old on course to cost Arsenal more than £100million. He is going to become the most expensive English player ever.

With the figures involved, it is no surprise that Newcastle turned their attentions elsewhere. They took their business to Italy, and are set to announce the arrival of Sandro Tonali.

The 23-year-old has agreed a deal to join Newcastle from AC Milan, where he will become the club’s second most expensive signing ever behind Alexander Isak.

When Newcastle discovered they could not get Rice, they wanted someone like him. And a new report from the Telegraph states that they believe they have got exactly that.

Newcastle compare Sandro Tonali to Declan Rice

According to the Telegraph, Newcastle’s recruitment team believe they are signing an elite player in Tonali. What is even more exciting is that they believe he can still get even better.

The Telegraph have spoke to a source inside the club, who told them that they believe the Italy international can ‘be just as good as Declan Rice over the next few years’.

That is a big claim, and hopefully one that proves to be true. If it turns out to be the case then the Toon owners will be delighted with their business, as they will have landed someone as good as Rice for half the price of the real thing.

The Tonali deal is a brilliant example of how the Newcastle owners operate. They are not going to overspend, and are methodical in their approach when it comes to incomings.

All of Newcastle’s major arrivals have done well so far. The only question mark is next to Anthony Gordon’s name, but that will change next season when he is expected to emerge as a key player.

Rice would have been a sensational signing for Newcastle, and he is someone who fans are very familiar with. Supporters will know less about Tonali, but will hopefully soon realise that he is also a top class midfielder, and someone who can play at the same level as the man who would have cost Newcastle a nine-figure sum.