Tonali Snubs City for Spurs as Tottenham Prepare Record £100m Swoop

Newcastle's grip on Sandro Tonali appears to be loosening rapidly, with Tottenham in the closing stages of securing the Italy international on a blockbuster deal that will shatter the club's transfer record.

The 25-year-old midfielder has turned his back on Manchester City's advances, instead setting his sights on joining Spurs to play under fellow Italian Roberto De Zerbi. Tonali has already hammered out personal terms with the north London outfit, leaving just the formalities between Tottenham and Newcastle.

Spurs saw an £80 million bid rejected by the Magpies back in June, but Newcastle's resolve appears to have weakened. The northeast club has consistently held firm on a £100 million valuation, and Tottenham have now signalled their willingness to meet that asking price—a figure that would make Tonali their costliest acquisition ever.

Newcastle chief David Hopkinson previously hailed Tonali as "a superstar player," and the midfielder's contract commitments underline his standing. His current Newcastle deal, renewed last October, runs through June 2029 and includes a reported base of £8 million annually plus performance-related bonuses. The new Tottenham package is expected to substantially improve on that arrangement, with sources suggesting a fixed component in the region of £12-13 million per season alongside generous add-ons.

Italian media reports suggest the deal is in its final throes, with only administrative loose ends to tie up. Tonali's determination to work with De Zerbi has proven the decisive factor in his choice, despite the considerable financial appeal of Manchester City's approach. The midfielder has fielded offers from multiple elite clubs, but his commitment to the Spurs project appears unwavering.

Meanwhile, Tottenham are also pushing hard to land West Ham's Mateus Fernandes, though they face stiff competition from Manchester United for the Portuguese midfielder's signature. The race for Fernandes remains wide open, with West Ham apparently willing to do business with whoever tables the highest bid. United remain very much in the hunt despite Tottenham's persistent efforts, and the battle for the midfielder's services looks set to go down to the wire.