JIST IN: Newcastle United are considering the chance of a sensational swap deal with Sandro Tonali as Eddie Howe targets a ‘secret wrapon’ who could hand Newcastle United a first trophy since 2006
JIST IN: Newcastle United are considering the chance of a sensational swap deal with Sandro Tonali as Eddie Howe targets a ‘secret wrapon’ who could hand Newcastle United a first trophy since 2006
Newcastle ‘consider Sandro Tonali swap deal’ as Eddie Howe ponders next move
Newcastle could be busy in the final two weeks of the transfer window.
Newcastle are reportedly considering an eyebrow-raising swap deal involving Sandro Tonali. Reports in the Italian media claim that Eddie Howe considers the midfielder ‘important, but not essential’.
Tonali joined Newcastle from AC Milan in a blockbuster £50million switch in 2023. However, the 24-year-old was subsequently banned for much of the campaign and has only found a place in the regular midfield in recent months.
Eddie Howe has settled on a midfield trio of Tonali, Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton. An eight-game winning run finally ended with a 4-1 defeat at home to Bournemouth on Saturday.
Despite the success since Tonali has been given a run in the team, Newcastle would reportedly not rule out selling the Italy international. It is reported that a move for Juventus’ Douglas Luiz could see Tonali head in the opposite direction.
According to Calciomercato, Newcastle admire Luiz and may choose to negotiate a swap deal with Juve. The report claims that a move would make sense for all parties as Tonali and Luiz are similar ages (24 and 26) and have contracts which expire a year apart (2028 and 2029).
Newcastle would face competition from Manchester City, Nottingham Forest and his former club, Aston Villa. Luiz joined Juve from Villa last summer but is reported to have struggled to settle in Italy.
The Brazilian midfielder has featured in only 474 minutes – the equivalent of a little over five full matches – this season. He has failed to win a regular place in Thiago Motta’s starting 11.
That is despite Luiz being a big hit in England, where he helped Villa qualify for the Champions League last season. He decided to seek a new challenge rather than taking part in his former side’s European adventure, but it has not gone to plan.
City are reported to be the favourites to land Luiz should he leave Turin. Pep Guardiola wants reinforcements this month even after landing defenders Abdukodir Khusanov and Vitor Reis. Luiz was on City’s books from 2017 to 2019 but never made a competitive appearance.
Meanwhile, Newcastle will hope to retain their best players before the transfer window closes on February 3. Alexander Isak remains a Magpies players despite strong interest from Arsenal. It has been widely reported that Newcastle would only enter talks if a blockbuster £150m bid is made.
Guimaraes and Anthony Gordon have previously attracted eyes from other Premier League clubs but both seem set to remain at St. James’ Park. Defender Lloyd Kelly has also been linked with Juve.
