Sandro Tonali: European giant ‘contacted’ by Newcastle star’s representatives over summer transfer

Sandro Tonali’s representatives have reportedly made contact with Real Madrid over a proposed summer transfer away from Newcastle United.

Although the 25-year-old still has just over two years remaining on his contract at St James’ Park, speculation over his long-term future with the Magpies has been rife since the turn of the year.

A surprise deadline-day switch to Arsenal was mooted in the January transfer window, and the Gunners are still thought to hold an interest in the Italy international, who will not be competing at the 2026 World Cup following his nation’s playoff elimination.

Manchester United and Manchester City are also believed to be monitoring Tonali’s situation closely, as they weigh up a big-money move for one of the Premier League’s best midfielders.

According to TEAMtalk, there is a growing belief among rival clubs that Man City could ultimately become Tonali’s most likely destination this summer.

However, an opportunity to move to Spain could also arise, as it is claimed that Real Madrid have been informed of Tonali’s availability, with the La Liga giants said to be in the market for at least one new centre-midfielder.

Real Madrid become a contender to sign Tonali this summer

The likes of Rodri, Enzo Fernandez and Alexis Mac Allister have all been linked with a move to the Bernabeu in recent weeks, but Tonali is now said to have been added to the club’s shortlist of midfield targets.

Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich, Liverpool, Chelsea are also said to have been made aware of Tonali’s situation and have shown varying degrees of interest.

A return to Italy has previously been mooted for Tonali, but financial constraints are understood to have made any deal for the likes of Serie A leaders Inter Milan, Juventus or former club AC Milan ‘increasingly unlikely’.

Earlier this week, Newcastle chief executive David Hopkinson made it clear that first-team stars will only leave the club "on our terms", especially if an "Alexander Isak-like scenario" transpired once again.

Tonali pledged his loyalty to the Magpies in February when responding to speculation over his future, but a summer exit could materialise if Eddie Howe’s side – sitting 12th in the Premier League table - fail to qualify for next season’s Champions League.

Should Newcastle agree to part ways with Tonali - who has contributed with 10 goals and 10 assists in 104 appearances for the club - Juventus’s Khephren Thuram has allegedly been identified as a potential replacement.