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Sean McCormick

Fabio Capello's ultimate Sandro Tonali AC Milan praise shows quality Newcastle can now attract

Newcastle United are closing in on the signing of AC Milan midfielder Sandro Tonali in what could be a transformative signing for Eddie Howe's Magpies.

The Italy international is believed to have completed his medical in Romania this evening, where he is currently captaining the Azzuri in the under-21 European Championships, ahead of completing a bumper move to St James' Park.

Tonali will be Newcastle's second summer signing, following the arrival of Yankuba Minteh from Odense (who has since joined Feyenoord on a season-long loan deal), and there is huge excitement about what he will bring to Tyneside.

The 23-year-old helped AC Milan win the Serie A title in 2022 and will add genuine quality to Newcastle's midfield ranks alongside Bruno Guimaraes, Joe Willock, Joelinton and Sean Longstaff.

READ MORE: Newcastle United transfer news LIVE: Sandro Tonali 'completes medical'

A lifelong Milan fan, Tonali has established himself as a key player for the Rossoneri and has impressed a number of key figures associated with the club.

Paolo Maldini played a huge role in convincing Tonali to join the club in the first place and former England boss Fabio Capello, whose Milan side were the dominant side in European football during his stint in charge in the nineties, is also a huge fan.

Capello said the midfielder 'would have found space' in his team thanks to his 'character, strength, quality and intelligence'. High praise indeed, when you consider Capello managed the likes of Frank Riijkaard, Carlo Ancelotti, Demetrio Albertini, Zvonimir Boban and a young Patrick Vieira among his midfield ranks during his five seasons in charge at the San Siro, which yielded four Serie A titles and a Champions League triumph.

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