Tottenham have been encouraged to compete with Arsenal and Manchester City for Italy midfielder Sandro Tonali, with Newcastle’s asking price for the 26-year-old expected to be about £100m, according to the Telegraph. The development comes as Marcus Rashford prepares for showdown talks with Manchester United after his hopes of a permanent move to Barcelona collapsed.
Rashford spent last season on loan at Barcelona, but the Catalan club have signed Anthony Gordon in a £70m deal and United have refused to entertain a second season-long loan. United have valued the 28-year-old England forward at £40m but ruled out the possibility of him joining Liverpool or Manchester City, according to ESPN. Rashford has little interest in remaining with United, having broken ties with his hometown club, and believes his long-term future is elsewhere. However, unless a club meets United’s asking price – £16m more than the £24m option Barcelona had – Rashford will return to his parent club after the World Cup.
“Tottenham join Arsenal and Man City in £100m fight for Sandro Tonali as Marcus Rashford faces uncertain future after Barcelona deal collapses.”
United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe remains determined to sell the £325,000-a-week forward to get him off the wage bill, and this summer represents the best chance to offload him before he enters the final 12 months of his contract next June.
Meanwhile, Tottenham’s pursuit of Tonali is part of a busy window under manager Roberto De Zerbi, who is pushing for big-name reinforcements with the backing of the club owners. The north London club have already agreed a £52m deal for Brighton defender Jan Paul van Hecke. Tonali’s potential arrival would be a statement signing, but they face stiff competition from Arsenal and Manchester City.