Sandro Tonali has already explained why Newcastle United could struggle to complete £42m deal

Newcastle United are in talks to sign AC Milan midfielder Sandro Tonali - but completing a deal won’t come easy.

After discussions with Nicolo Barella stalled due to Inter Milan’s £80million price tag, the Magpies have quickly switched their attention to Tonali.

The Athletic’s James Horncastle was first the to report United’s £42m bid, although that has already been rejected according to some Italian sources.

While negotiations over a transfer fee continue, Newcastle will also face the seemingly difficult task of convincing the 23-year-old to make the move to England.

Indeed, Tonali is a boyhood AC Milan fan and even took a pay cut to join the 19-time Scudetto champions permanently from Brescia in 2021.

“Why did I do it? Because the desire to stay at Milan came first,” said Tonali. “The terms of the redemption from Brescia had expired and we were starting from scratch. For me it was important to take a step towards Milan.

“There were other clubs, even with higher salaries to offer, but I am happy here. Every player thinks differently. Some think about career and ambition, others about money. I believe that being well in a team is essential.

“At Milan I can achieve all my goals, I can have everything in the club where I am happy.”

During his three years at the San Siro, Tonali has been integral. He’s made 130 appearances and played a leading role as Milan lifted their first Serie A title in 11 years in 2022.

Midway through last season, Tonali was rewarded with an improved contract, lasting until 2027. Speaking just before then, the Italy under-21s captain hinted at staying in Milan for years to come.

“It is certain that I want to stay here, contract after contract,” Tonali said. “It would be nice to become a flag, but I don’t look so much further out of luck. I am so attached to these colors that I know that my extension will never be a problem.

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“It is right that the club thinks first of my expiring teammates than of me. I already have an agreement for another four years. I want to be the least of my thoughts. “

If Newcastle can lure Tonali away from his boyhood club, which they appear confident of doing by offering a reported salary of £6million-a-year, would be a massive statement of intent.