Tottenham have made their move for Sandro Tonali, as David Ornstein reports that talks have opened with Newcastle United over a deal for the Italian international.

It comes as Spurs look to bolster their midfield ranks, having already moved fast to improve the defence with the signings of Jan Paul van Hecke, Marcos Senesi, and Andy Robertson.

The central options on the club’s shortlist have included Mateus Fernandes, but it seems as though the Lilywhites are accelerating in a possible deal to sign Tonali.

The 26-year-old emerged as a possible option as Newcastle appear open to a possible sale at the right price quoted at £100 million, with the Tottenham transfer target being described as a “monster”.

Tottenham Open Talks to Sign Sandro Tonali

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Tottenham have made a clear signal of intent to sign Tonali this summer, with Ornstein reporting that club-to-club contact has now been made for the midfielder.

Newcastle hold a deal until 2029 for the Italian international, as well as a one-year extension on top of that, suggesting there is no immediate need to sell.

However, links have persisted over a potential exit for the midfield ace, as Spurs join a whole host of rivals to land his signature this summer.

Manchester City have been listed as a potential landing spot, while Manchester United, Arsenal, and AC Milan have also been linked with a transfer for the Premier League star.

While it’s unclear exactly where Tonali could end up, the contact from Tottenham seemingly puts them ahead in the race, while reports have stated that there have already been positive talks between the Lilywhites and representatives of Tonali.

It would be quite the signing for Roberto De Zerbi, with another clear sign that the club is willing to invest heavily to improve the squad after last season’s struggles.

Tottenham Backing De Zerbi Vision

A move for Tonali, which could reach up to £100 million, would be quite a deal for Tottenham to pull off, considering the competition for the Newcastle ace.

It would also show a clear sign that the club is willing to back De Zerbi’s long-term vision for the club by adding some immediate quality into the squad.

It’s a similar move to what Man United did last season, signing proven Premier League quality in the peak of their career who can raise the floor of the team’s performances.

The midfield has been a clear problem area for Tottenham for several seasons now, and adding Tonali would go a long way to fix some of those issues.

Having already sealed three quick deals, a fourth for Tonali would show that Spurs mean business.

For over a decade, Roy Keane was an absolutely vital cog in the Manchester United machine. His time at Old Trafford saw him win seven Premier League titles, four FA Cups, and the Champions League.

Iconic club manager Sir Alex Ferguson signed the Irishman from Nottingham Forest in 1993 and named him club captain after just four years. Together, they dominated English football but things ended on very bad terms.

Ever the outspoken character, Keane tore into a number of teammates in a club TV interview, which was not aired to the public. Ferguson was furious, and this was one of a few issues which ultimately led the midfielder to leave Old Trafford in November 2005.

Having spent 12 and a half years at Manchester United, Keane was naturally given a testimonial game to mark his exit from the club. However, manager Ferguson stopped one man from playing in the friendly fixture.

Man Utd Star Missed Roy Keane’s Testimonial

Ferguson’s decision was not made because he necessarily had an issue with Keane, but rather with Ruud van Nistelrooy. Indeed, the Dutch forward’s future had been the subject of intense speculation, and so was forbidden from playing in the testimonial.

As per Sky Sports’ report at the time, Van Nistelrooy was deeply upset that United had taken their hostility out on him in this way, and deprived ‘good friend’ Keane of his presence on the Irishman’s special night. The iconic club striker remarked:

As per BBC Sport, Keane was disappointed his former team-mate missed the game. He said: “I spoke to Ruud. It was unfortunate and disappointing he wasn’t here but everyone has their own path to go down.

“Ruud is still under contract to United and I wish him well.”

Van Nistelrooy Also Left Man Utd Amid Tension With Ferguson

With all the transfer speculation making headlines, Ferguson had also left Van Nistelrooy out of his team to face Charlton on the final day of the Premier League season. This robbed the striker of a final chance to say a proper goodbye to the Old Trafford faithful, as that would have been his final game for the club.

Having also not been able to play in Keane’s testimonial, Van Nistelrooy’s last match for Man Utd came in a 0-0 draw against Middlesbrough earlier in May. Speaking after the Charlton game, United boss Ferguson said:

“There have been a couple of issues during the week that concerned us in terms of the spirit of the club.

“On such an important day, I felt that Ruud should be left out. We will be discussing it with club directors.”

Van Nistelrooy would join Real Madrid in July that summer, having scored 150 goals for the Red Devils in 219 games.

Manchester United are looking to strengthen this summer on the back of the club’s best season for years.

The Red Devils finished third in the Premier League, prompting the club’s hierarchy to hire Michael Carrick as their new permanent manager on the back of a successful interim spell.

Although supporters will be more excited about the prospect of blockbuster signings, with the likes of Mateus Fernandes and Crysencio Summerville amongst the names linked, United will also need to bring in some smaller-profile names in order to maintain the balance of the squad as the club returns to the Champions League.

One of those departments is expected to be goalkeeper depth.

Man United hold talks with former goalkeeper

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Senne Lammens had an impressive maiden campaign at Old Trafford last season, establishing himself as the Red Devils’ first choice in between the sticks. However, bringing in support for the Belgian is on United’s to-do list this window.

According to The Athletic’s Laurie Whitwell, internal talks have taken place over the possibility of re-signing ex-United goalkeeper Sam Johnstone, who is currently at recently-relegated Wolverhampton Wanderers. Additionally, Leeds United’s Karl Darlow is another name who has been mentioned with his contract at Elland Road set to expire at the end of this month.

Johnstone spent the majority of last season as Wolves’ back-up to José Sá, playing 12 times in the Premier League alongside six cup appearances. Over the past four seasons, the Englishman has made 48 league appearances.

Labelled as “special” by United great David De Gea, the Preston-born shot stopper came through the youth ranks at United and had numerous loan spells across the EFL, including at Preston North End and Aston Villa, before making a permanent switch to West Bromwich Albion in 2018. He never made a competitive appearance for the Red Devils.

Why are United looking at a new goalkeeper?

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The report continues that all three of Andre Onana, Altay Bayindir and Radek Vitek are all expected to leave Old Trafford this summer either on loan or permanently, while Tom Heaton is seen as the club’s third choice after signing a new one-year deal.

Onana spent last season on loan at Turkish side Trabzonspor and is reportedly on a whopping £160,000 per week. Meanwhile, Vitek impressed on loan at Championship side Bristol City last season but will only get consistent game time elsewhere and Bayindir is expected to return to his native Turkey.

Therefore, Carrick’s side will need a refresh in the goalkeeping department, particularly considering the extra fixtures added to their calendar now that they are back in Europe.

Lammens remains the undisputed number one, but the 23-year-old is in need of new support.