Newcastle reject Spurs bid of about £80m for Tonali

Newcastle reject Spurs bid of about £80m for TonaliImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Sandro Tonali has won 32 caps for ItalyByCiaran Kelly, Football reporter and Sami Mokbel, Senior football correspondentPublished20 June 20261048 CommentsNewcastle United have rejected a bid from Tottenham Hotspur for midfielder Sandro Tonali.It is understood an offer worth about £80m was turned down earlier this week.BBC Sport previously reported Spurs manager Roberto de Zerbi was a long-time admirer of Tonali and that the club were exploring the finances of a deal for the 26-year-old Italian.However, their opening proposal was declined by Newcastle, who are in a strong position to command a greater fee closer to £100m as Manchester City and Arsenal monitor developments.Newcastle have already sold Anthony Gordon to Barcelona, but the club's chief executive, David Hopkinson, has previously made it clear they will only trade players on "our terms".Tonali is effectively contracted until 2030 after he signed a new deal during his 10-month betting ban to repay the faith the club showed in him.The current market might also work in Newcastle's favour, if a bidding war ensues, given the valuations of midfielders elsewhere.Manchester City had a second bid worth about £120m rejected by Nottingham Forest for Elliot Anderson, while relegated West Ham want up to £80m for Mateus Fernandes.Shift in approach from Spurs but Newcastle unmoved - analysisByCiaran KellyNewcastle United reporterThere may have been scenes of celebration at full-time at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium after De Zerbi's side avoided relegation on the final day of the season.But there was a recognition internally that the club must never find themselves in such a dire position again.Chief executive Vinai Venkatesham vowed "change is happening" in an interview with BBC Sport in May, and there has certainly been a shift in approach.Spurs have already spent £52m on defender Jan Paul van Hecke,...