Sandro Tonali has rejected the chance to join Manchester City, instead pushing to complete a move to Tottenham, according to Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio, who says the Newcastle midfielder is “adamant” he wants to play under fellow Italian Roberto De Zerbi.
City had been preparing a bid in the region of €110m (£95m) to hijack Tottenham’s move, keen to add Tonali to a rebuilt midfield alongside the incoming Elliot Anderson. Enzo Maresca is understood to be a genuine admirer of the 26-year-old, and City were reportedly ready to match Tottenham’s £275,000-a-week contract offer.
Tottenham, though, have already reached personal terms with Tonali and are now in the final stages of agreeing a fee with Newcastle. Reports in Italy suggest the deal will break the £100m mark, with Newcastle holding firm on their valuation after rejecting Tottenham’s opening £80m bid.
Tonali’s relationship with De Zerbi’s camp is said to have been a key factor, with the Spurs head coach holding a close relationship with the midfielder’s agent, Giuseppe Riso. Newcastle CEO David Hopkinson previously described Tonali as “a superstar player” earlier this year, and he registered three goals and six assists in 53 appearances last season.
City’s midfield rebuild is expected to continue regardless, with Ayyoub Bouaddi among the alternatives already being explored by Hugo Viana.
