Newcastle United's pursuit of Sandro Tonali took a twist on Wednesday afternoon as his agent was spotted with AC Milan CEO Giorgio Furlani as the pair discussed the player's future over a lunchtime meal.
Chronicle Live understands "discussions" with Tonali's agent and the Magpies have also taken place. And Newcastle chiefs have held higher level talks with Milan over a price.
Leaked photos in the Italian press showed the meeting as Newcastle pushed ahead with trying to secure a deal for the 23-year-old Italian superstar. Tonali himself is unlikely to be involved in face-to-face discussions any time soon as he captains his country at the U21 European Championship taking place in Georgia and Romania this month.
