Newcastle United reach agreement with AC Milan for the transfer of Sandro Tonali

Newcastle United are closing in on the acquisition of Sandro Tonali having reached an agreement with AC Milan over a transfer, according to Milan News.

The Magpies will reportedly pay a fee of around €80 million to land Tonali, who will join on a six-year deal on an annual salary of €8m plus a further €2m in add-ons.

Tonali is currently on duty with the Italy Under-21 side at the ongoing European Championship and his representatives are en route to Romania to put the finishing touches on a deal.

His impending move to Tyneside comes as a surprise, with the 23-year-old having expressed his desire to remain at the San Siro back in May.

“Reducing my salary for Milan was my last thought, as will the renewal because it is certain that I want to stay here, contract after contract,” Tonali told La Gazzetta dello Sport.

“It would be nice to become a flag, but I don’t look so much further out of luck. I am so attached to these colours that I know that my extension will never be a problem.

“It is right that the club thinks first of my expiring teammates than of me: I already have an agreement for another four years – I want to be the least of my thoughts.”

Newcastle were originally linked with a move for Inter Milan’s Nicolo Barella, but the Magpies swiftly turned their attention to Tonali and have landed one of the best young midfielders in European football.

Tonali racked up nine assists across all competitions last time out and also created the most big chances in the Champions League, where AC Milan crashed out to city rivals Inter Milan in the semi-final.

As they close in on their first signing of the Premier League transfer window, the Magpies are also in the market for another midfielder and remain keen on James Maddison.