Newcastle strike stunning Sandro Tonali agreement, as AC Milan prepare mind-boggling Prem raid in response

Newcastle are closing in on what could be a club-record deal to sign Sandro Tonali after agreeing personal terms, and AC Milan are reportedly lining up a shock Premier League raid in response.

Newcastle’s current club-record transfer remains the €70m paid to sign Alexander Isak from Real Sociedad last summer. However, with a blockbuster move for AC Milan’s Sandro Tonali quickly taking shape, a new mark could soon be set.

Indeed, the Independent led the way, claiming the Magpies were eyeing Tonali after pulling their plug on their pursuit of Nicolo Barella.

Tonali, 23, operates as a deep-lying playmaker and if signed, will free up Bruno Guimaraes to assume more of a box-to-box role.

The 14-cap Italy international was confirmed as Eddie Howe’s new No 1 midfield priority by the Athletic. Their reporter, David Ornstein, claimed a deal worth around €70m was close to completion on Wednesday night.

Now, transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has provided a wholly encouraging update for Newcastle.

Firstly, Romano reported an agreement on personal terms between Newcastle and Tonali has been struck.

The midfielder will sign a six-year deal running until 2029 and pocket a net salary worth €8m plus €2m in add-ons per season. If the add-ons are achieved, that would equate to a net salary of around £165,000-per-week.

The trusted journalist then cited the same €70m fee Ornstein reported. While an agreement on the transfer fee isn’t yet in place, both Newcastle and Milan are working towards that outcome right now.

Romano also noted add-ons are likely to be included in the deal, meaning the total cost of signing Tonali could go beyond the €70m Isak fee.

AC Milan plotting shock Prem raid with Tonali money

If Tonali does move to St. James’ Park, La Gzzetta dello Sport report much of the fee received could immediately find its way back to the Premier League.

Indeed, via Sky Sports, Milan have hatched plans to sign a new centre-forward in the form of Chelsea’s Romelu Lukaku.

The Blues are open to ditching the 30-year-old Belgian who was on loan at Milan’s bitter rivals Inter last season.

In fact, Lukaku is understood to be keen on returning to Inter, while Inter themselves are hopeful of forging a deal.

However, they prefer another loan amid difficulties financing an outright purchase, whereas Chelsea want to get shut once and for all.

But Milan could shock their neighbours by bringing Lukaku back to the city in the red and black – not blue and black.

Stefano Pioli’s side are reportedly ‘expected to make a shock move’ for Lukaku using the incoming Tonali cash.

On the subject of the proposed bid, it’s concluded Milan will try their luck with a €40m (£34.5m) offering.

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