“Bit of a surprise” – What Sandro Tonali’s agents have now said to Tottenham

Tottenham’s midfield plans are quickly becoming one of the biggest talking points of the summer transfer window.

Roberto De Zerbi is understood to be eager to add fresh quality in the middle of the park as he continues reshaping his squad ahead of the new campaign.

Much of the attention has centred on Newcastle star Sandro Tonali, who has emerged as one of Tottenham’s most ambitious targets.

The Italy international is a player De Zerbi knows well and greatly admires, and reports throughout the week have suggested Spurs are preparing to open formal talks with Newcastle after completing deals for Andy Robertson, Marcos Senesi and Jan Paul van Hecke.

Tottenham’s interest in Tonali has been gathering momentum for some time.

However, he is not the only midfielder under consideration.

West Ham’s Mateus Fernandes is also believed to be on Spurs’ radar as the club assess multiple options to strengthen the engine room.

The Portuguese midfielder impressed despite West Ham’s difficult season and has attracted interest from several Premier League sides, most notably Man United.

Both Tonali and Fernandes would cost at least £80m plus, according to various reports, so the Lilywhites could end up spending nearly £200m on two new defensive midfielders if they take it that far.

However, that has not stopped Tottenham from pursuing both independently, as confirmed by David Ornstein and others.

The club appear determined to add significant midfield quality this summer, and another update has provided further encouragement regarding their pursuit of Tonali.

What Sandro Tonali’s agents have now said to Tottenham

Speaking to Football Insider, journalist Pete O’Rourke revealed that Tottenham have received very positive signals from the player’s camp.

According to O’RourkeSpurs would not be investing so much energy into the deal unless they genuinely believed it could be completed.

In light of this, Tonali’s agents have apparently informed De Zerbi’s side that he is prepared to join them regardless of interest from Arsenal and Man City.

O’Rourke adds that the 26-year-old’s eagerness to join Spurs will come as a ‘surprise’ to Newcastle.

The Magpies star is a vital component of Eddie Howe’s setup, and Newcastle won’t be letting him go on the cheap.

Some reports even suggest he’ll cost close to £100 million, with Ornstein also stating that Spurs are ready to pay him ‘big money’ contract-wise to swap St. James’ for N17.

Fernandes, meanwhile, commands an £85 million price tag despite West Ham’s drop to the Championship.

There are suggestions that Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton is also a target for De Zerbi’s midfield, but again, the Englishman could cost £100m.

The midfield market is becoming vastly inflated, and it appears Elliot Anderson’s potential £120m move to Man City is being used as a yardstick by other clubs when it comes to pricing their engine room stars.