Sandro Tonali is expected to become Newcastle United's first summer signing in a deal worth around €70m (£63m). The AC Milan fanbase are heartbroken to lose the 23-year-old, while there is palpable excitement on Tyneside over such a significant signing.
Newcastle's transfer priority was always a midfielder this summer as fans clamour for a player who can take Bruno Guimaraes' place at the base of Eddie Howe's midfield. Many believe Tonali is the man to fill such a role but the Serie A star and Italian international will offer a lot more than simply sweeping up in behind and allowing Guimaraes to roam forward.
Tonali featured predominantly as a defensive midfielder as he caught the eye of Europe's elite while at Brescia, though since moving to the San Siro and featuring for his boyhood club, his role has changed somewhat. The Italy international, who will captain the U21 side at the upcoming European Championships, is now known more for his box-to-box exploits.
