By Fraser Fletcher, Transfer Correspondent

21st Jun, 2023 | 5:00pm

Sources: Newcastle jet out for Sandro Tonali talks amid Chelsea interest, £70m could seal deal

Newcastle are pushing to complete the signing of AC Milan midfielder Sandro Tonali with talks ongoing over a potential move, sources have told Football Insider.

Discussions began on Tuesday (20 June) are set to continue throughout this week with the Magpies offering a deal worth around £65million for the 23-year-old.

However, it is believed AC Milan are holding out for an offer closer to £80million.

The player’s representatives have been in talks with Newcastle for over a week – with an agreement on personal terms thought to be straightforward as Tonali is keen on a move to the Premier League.

It is believed a group of transfer chiefs from the Tynesiders are currently in Italy to scope out the best deals.

Chelsea have also asked AC Milan about the conditions of a potential deal and the Blues are understood to have also reached out to the midfielder’s representatives.

The Blues are open to including Ruben Loftus-Cheek in a deal for Tonali, with the England international a long-term target for the Italian giants.

Tonali played a total of 48 times in the 2022-23 season scoring twice and adding 10 assists.

He has made a total of 130 appearances for the Rossoneri and has amassed 14 Italy caps.

Suggestions he would not be keen on a move and only wants to stay at AC Milan are understood to be false.

A well-placed source has told Football Insider the midfielder is “open to the right opportunity”

Eddie Howe and his side are also able to offer Champions League football to targets as they prepare to enter the competition after a brilliant 2022-23 campaign.

Elsewhere, Newcastle are also set to place their first official offer for Leicester City midfielder James Maddison – and are also keen on a new fullback with Kieran Tierney and Borna Sosa both on the radar.

In other news, Newcastle United join the race for Senegal forward Habib Diallo