Midfield makeover
Manchester City have made fresh enquiries about Sandro Tonali as they look to strengthen their midfield options this summer, according to reports from the North East.
The move comes amid a period of significant change at the Etihad, with Enzo Maresca preparing to officially take charge on July 1. The Italian has already been backed emphatically by the club's recruitment department.
The Blues have already agreed a club-record £116 million deal for Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson, with the midfielder having completed his medical checks at the England camp over the weekend. That, though, does not appear to be the end of the spending.
With Bernardo Silva having departed for Real Madrid and concerns over the squad's physical load, Sporting Director Hugo Viana is pushing for further reinforcements. The urgency has only increased following the revelation that Rodri requires post-World Cup surgery on an unnamed injury, ruling him out of pre-season.
Newcastle holding out
According to The Chronicle's Lee Ryder, City have made fresh enquiries over Tonali. Tottenham have yet to return with a follow-up bid of their own after seeing an offer of £80 million rejected by Newcastle.
The Magpies are said to want closer to £100 million for the Italy international should he leave St James' Park this summer.
City's senior squad is due to report back for training on July 20 before heading to Eastern Asia for pre-season friendlies, starting with Inter Milan in Hong Kong. Resolving the central spine of the team remains a priority before the August 23 Premier League opener against Bournemouth.
Viana is also managing separate negotiations, including an interest in Chelsea right-back Malo Gusto, while overseeing a coaching shake-up in the Academy alongside Thomas Krucken. Under-18 boss Oliver Reiss has been promoted into the Elite Development Squad.
Whether Tonali honours his reported understanding with Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi or opts for the Etihad, City's pursuit suggests a refusal to settle for anything less than a complete midfield rebuild this summer.