Newcastle 'surprised' by Sandro Tonali's response to Tottenham interest, deal can now be agreed

Tottenham Hotspur have been given encouragement by Sandro Tonali and his camp in their pursuit of the Newcastle star.

The 26-year-old has emerged as an ambitious target for Roberto De Zerbi's side, who are determined to strengthen their squad in the summer window.

Despite interest from the likes of Man City and Arsenal, Tottenham have been informed by the Italy international's camp that he would be willing to join them.

As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider's Transfer Insider podcast, Spurs are now confident of beating rivals to Tonali's signature and are prepared to make a move.

Newcastle are believed to be reluctant to lose their star midfielder, but as he continues to assess his options, may be resigned to his departure.

Tottenham now view Tonali as their top target to strengthen in the middle of the park, having already completing the signings of of a left-back and two centre-backs in this window.

Could Tottenham make a move to sign Sandro Tonali?

Football Insider revealed in March that Man City were seen as the clear favourites to sign Tonali, while Arsenal and clubs in Italy were also keen to do a deal.

However, City are now pursuing Elliot Anderson, while the Serie A clubs will be unable to afford the midfielder, potentially clearing the path for a move to Tottenham.

Positive talks are already believed to have been held with the player and his camp, with Spurs encouraged to make a formal offer to Newcastle.

Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: "They're obviously confident that they can beat a number of their rivals to Tonali, otherwise they wouldn't have entered the race for him.

"Spurs have received some encouragement from Tonali's side of things that, first of all, he's interested in the move to Tottenham, and that they can get a deal agreed with Newcastle as well.

"As you said, there's been a lot of top clubs linked with a move for Tonali, including the likes of Arsenal, Man City and Man United.

"But it does seem that United have cooled their interest because of the price tag, and Man City are making moves to sign Elliot Anderson.

"It does seem that Tonali is open to the move to Tottenham as well, which might come as a bit of a surprise to Newcastle."

How do Newcastle feel about losing Tonali?

Despite the ongoing speculation about which club the Italy international could join this summer, much will depend on whether a deal can be agreed with Newcastle.

The Magpies currently have no plans to lose Tonali and instead planned to shift other stars including the likes of Anthony Gordon, who was allowed to join Barcelona.

Football Insider revealed last month that Newcastle will demand at least £80m to sell Tonali, with that price tag likely to increase given the level of interest in his signature.

Eddie Howe views him as a key part of his plans to help Newcastle return to European football despite what was a frustrating season at St James' Park.

They hope his lofty price tag will deter clubs from making moves, but with the player's camp seemingly entertaining the possibility of an exit, that may prove difficult.