Sandro Tonali has agreed a six-year contract with Newcastle United and his blockbuster transfer from AC Milan is expected to be completed in the coming days. The Italy international is set to feature against Romania in the under-21s European Championships on Sunday evening, with the finer details of a transfer worth at least £55 million due to be ironed out in the following days.
Eddie Howe has clearly prioritised the addition of an 'elite' midfielder to the Magpies' ranks ahead of their return to the Champions League next season. The mid-season departure of Jonjo Shelvey left United short in the centre of the park, with late injuries to the likes of Sean Longstaff and Joe Willock creating a selection dilemma during the run-in.
Newcastle needed a 'number six' capable of sitting at the base of the midfield trio, either to rotate with Bruno Guimaraes or to release the Brazil international further forward. However, the impending arrival of Tonali and the stats from his latest season suggests the Magpies may have ticked more than one box when it comes to the 23-year-old.
