Elliot Anderson key to Tottenham bid to sign Sandro Tonali after latest offer

Newcastle United are using Manchester City's pursuit of Elliot Anderson as a benchmark after rejecting Tottenham's opening bid for Sandro Tonali.

The Lilywhites have reportedly had an offer worth around £75million turned down, in a bid that was seen as well below their asking price by transfer chiefs at St James' Park.

The Magpies are hoping to hold out for over £100m, and are using City's bids for Nottingham Forest star Anderson, with the latest rising to £120m, as proof of why a similar profile player is valued at that sum.

Tottenham are keen to add fresh quality to their midfield after a disappointing season, with Tonali and West Ham's Mateus Fernandes targeted at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Roberto De Zerbi is hoping to oversee a huge rebuild in North London after going so close to relegation, with a big summer expected.

Tottenham have already signed Jan Paul van Hecke, Marcos Senesi and Andy Robertson, with the former joining in a £52m deal from Brighton.

Sandro Tonali situation smacks of Alexander Isak saga

Football Insider revealed earlier this week that Tottenham have been given encouragement by Tonali's camp, despite the rejection of their opening offer.

A bid £75m, while feeling like a small offer compared to the types of fees regularly seen in the Premier League now, is by no means a disrespectful bid for a player signed for £55m three years ago.

Tonali has just two years remaining on his contract and clearly wants to leave, with Arsenal and Man City also interested.

But Newcastle insist that the player is not for sale for anything less than their asking price, and that offers of £75m are paltry.

It is a similar position that the Magpies took when they turned down Liverpool's £110m opening bid for Alexander Isak last summer, and it may well be an indicator that Tottenham are not far off.

The striker also wanted to leave, with Liverpool eventually successful with a bid of just £15m more.

Waiting game is dangerous for Tottenham

Currently, talk of Man City and Arsenal's interest in Tonali feels more like a tool that Newcastle can use to squeeze Tottenham.

Should they want to pay their right price for the Italian this summer, the Lilywhites may have to play a waiting game.

Should the interest materialise, however, Tottenham would be in a world of trouble.

Both clubs can offer a run at the Premier League title and Champions League football, and would surely have Tonali's preference.