Newcastle United have rejected a bid of around £80 million from Tottenham Hotspur for Italy midfielder Sandro Tonali, with the offer rebuffed almost immediately after it arrived earlier this week.

Tonali is the primary transfer target for Spurs head coach Roberto De Zerbi, who is rebuilding his squad following a difficult season that ended with the club narrowly avoiding relegation from the Premier League. De Zerbi has identified the Italian as the ideal player to control midfield and dictate the tempo of play in the system he wants to implement at the club.

Manchester City are also monitoring Tonali's situation, adding further pressure to the transfer picture. City continue to pursue Nottingham Forest and England midfielder Elliot Anderson as well.

Tonali's standing at Newcastle

The 26-year-old joined Newcastle United from AC Milan for £55 million three years ago and has established himself as a key figure at St. James' Park. He is contracted until 2029, with the club holding an option for an additional year, and Newcastle have shown no willingness to sell at the current valuation.

Sky Sports News reported in April that Tonali — alongside Anthony Gordon and Tino Livramento — had expressed a desire for a new challenge this summer. Gordon has since completed a £69 million move to Barcelona, but Newcastle appear determined to hold on to Tonali.

Spurs' broader transfer plans

A move for Tonali would signal Tottenham Hotspur's commitment to backing De Zerbi with serious investment. Spurs have already bolstered their squad with the free-agent arrivals of Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi, and a £52 million deal for Jan Paul van Hecke has been agreed.

On the other side of the ledger, Brighton have submitted an improved £45 million offer for teenage centre-back Luka Vuskovic, who is eager to join them after impressing on loan at Hamburg.

Spurs also remain in the market for a winger to replace Heung-Min Son, having failed with attempts to sign Bryan Mbeumo and Antoine Semenyo. Manchester City's Savinho is among the names under consideration. De Zerbi additionally wants to add a versatile striker capable of operating across the front line.

The goalkeeper position could become a priority if Guglielmo Vicario departs for Italy — both Juventus and Inter Milan have expressed interest — with Antonin Kinsky having stepped up as the No. 1 choice during the season's final stretch. Spurs may also revisit a permanent deal for Joao Palhinha from Bayern Munich, with Sporting posing potential competition for his signature.