Newcastle United 'closing in on Sandro Tonali deal'

Newcastle United are reportedly set to sign Sandro Tonali from AC Milan.

With Champions League football coming to St James' Park next season, Newcastle are looking to build a squad that can compete with Europe's elite.

After identifying the midfield as an area in need of strengthening, the Magpies were linked with a move for Inter Milan's Nicolo Barella.

However, reports have since emerged that Newcastle are pursuing a deal for Tonali, who plies his trade at Inter's city rivals AC Milan.

According to the player's agent, Giuseppe Riso, Tonali is on the verge of completing a transfer to Eddie Howe's side.

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Speaking to Italian media, Riso said: "Mission accomplished? Not yet, there are still a few days left, a little more.

"It's difficult to reject huge bid for the club and the player. We agreed all terms for Tonali with Newcastle and the two clubs are finalising the deal. The contract with Newcastle will be valid for the next six years.

"The boy is calm, he knows that when such important offers arrive, from such important properties, it is difficult to refuse both for the club and for the boy.

"We have reached an agreement on the player side, they are defining between clubs: once this is done, he will undergo medical examinations in the next few days.

"This is an excellent deal, Newcastle is the perfect project for Tonali. Newcastle wanted Sandro as a key signing at all costs. He will be a crucial player. This deal also helps AC Milan and Brescia's finances a lot."

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Journalist Fabrizio Romano has stated that Newcastle have reached an agreement over a €70m (£60.2m) transfer with add-ons.

The 23-year-old will sign a contract until the summer of 2029, which is believed to be worth €7m (£6m) a year plus an additional €2m (£1.7m) in bonuses.

Tonali will provide Newcastle with valuable European experience after featuring in 18 Champions League matches and eight Europa League games.

The former Brescia midfielder is currently representing Italy at the Under-21 European Championship in Georgia and Romania.