Chronicle Live

Newcastle have been linked with a move for the Sweden international midfielder

Lucas Bergvall has been named in Tottenham Hotspur's travelling squad for their pre-season tour of Australia and New Zealand despite his desire to leave the North London club.

The Sweden international midfielder is keen to leave Spurs this summer in search of more regular game-time after seeing his role diminish under the management of Thomas Frank and then Roberto De Zerbi.

The 20-year-old joined Tottenham from Djurgarden two years ago and was named the Supporters' Player of the Season in his first campaign at the club.

He then penned a long-term contract last summer but he has grown frustration at his lack of opportunities since then and that has been further accentuated by the summer additions of Mateus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali for a combined £185million.

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As such, he is assessing his options on the market and Newcastle, as well as Nottingham Forest, are interested in signing the young talent.

However, Alasdair Gold, Tottenham reporter at our sister title Football.London, believes Bergvall's preference at the minute is to join Nottingham Forest but he would 'jump at the chance' to join Newcastle, too.

"Forest is his preference because he would get more game time there," Gold said on his YouTube channel.

"But I'm sure he would also jump at the chance to play for Newcastle because obviously they are a terrific club, have a terrific fanbase in terms of a big stadium. We have heard the roar at St James' Park and it is a great place to play, I would imagine.

"But both clubs have lost Anderson, have lost Tonali so those two clubs have got a spot for a player who wants to play as a number eight. That is all he has wanted. To play as an eight, to train as an eight and ultimately Bergvall just wants to play football."

Nonetheless, Bergvall has been named in a 35-man travelling squad for their tour which will see them face Auckland FC on Sunday, July 26, Sydney FC on Wednesday, July 29, and Chelsea on Saturday, August 1.

That could possibly delay any departure and certainly in Newcastle's case, time is of the essence to ensure the squad is ready for the Premier League season opener against Liverpool in just over four weeks' time.

Chronicle Live understands that 20-year-old Bergvall was offered to Newcastle and with the Magpies in the market for a midfielder, the club enquired on a price tag with some numbers suggested but no official bid was made as of last week.

Conversations took place between the two boards but Newcastle have not agreed a deal yet. And it is believed that Spurs are happy for it to be known that Bergvall is attracting further interest.

Nottingham Forest are also keen on Bergvall and had a £38m bid was turned down by Spurs, who feel they can hold out for £50m. Tottenham like the idea of a bidding war for Bergvall but Newcastle are sticking to their valuations on both incoming and outgoing business.

Newcastle United have been praised for the money they brought in to sell Sandro Tonali

Newcastle United's decision to sell Sandro Tonali to Tottenham Hotspur for £100million has been described as 'very good business' by the Magpies, even if it is a 'very good signing' for the north London club.

That is the view of former Chelsea midfielder and ITV pundit Andy Townsend whose valuation of Tonali is 'at around £75million'.

Tonali made the move to the Tottenham Hotspur stadium earlier this month with Newcastle deciding early to sell him this summer before extracting a huge fee for his services.

That should give them a good run at signing a quality replacement given it is still six weeks until the end of the transfer window and Townsend feels Newcastle deserve praise for holding firm to their valuation of the Italy international.

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"Nottingham Forest have got great money for Elliott Anderson. Whilst Tonali's fee is a little bit lower, to get a hundred million pounds from Spurs is very good business," Townsend told Casino Hawks.

"I like the player, he's very fast across the ground, which is so important in Premier League football. He can really run. He's aggressive.

"He can do a little bit of everything, and I think at Spurs right now, that's a very good signing. My valuation of Tonali is at around seventy-five million, he is at that sort of level.

"But that extra thirty million over a five-year deal, in current money, isn't a deal-breaker. It's a figure you might not like the sound of at first, but when you analyse the numbers, it's only another four million a year over a five-year period.

"It really isn't a deal-breaker. That's why these deals get done now. Spurs will probably look at it thinking that if they have three very good years out of him and he leaves with a year or two to go, they'll still get good money back.

"But I like the player, and if you want to get players through the door early in a transfer window, then you've got to pay a little bit more. You have all this faffing around waiting until a week before the end of the window before you spend your money.

"Tottenham have had a couple of close shaves recently with their status, they don't want to mess around for twenty million. Go and get what the manager wants early. Then you can get everyone sorted and ready to go, and that makes good sense."

The Magpies remain in the market to sign a new midfielder and have held exploratory talks over signing Spurs midfielder Lucas Bergvall. Botafogo star Danilo Santos also features highly in their thinking.

The Magpies are looking for midfielder reinforcements after Tonali joined Tottenham in a £100m deal

Everyone loves a new signing. The excitement that comes with the arrival of new player at Newcastle United is what keeps us going over the long summer break.

Even those we know little about and have never seen play still bring a tingle of anticipation, with the potential fuelling our imaginations for the season to come.

If things go to plan, Newcastle will have several more signings by the time the window closes on September 1, with the recruitment team working hard to add to the three already through the door.

A goalkeeper, full-back, striker and midfielder are seen as priorities in what will be a seismic summer in the club's progress.

It comes on the back of two big-name exits, with Anthony Gordon and Sandro Tonali leaving for Barcelona and Tottenham respectively.

But if Bazoumana Toure is seen as a replacement for Gordon, United have yet to land a player who can step into Tonali's shoes.

They have been credited with interest in plenty of candidates, from Monaco's Lamine Camara to Spurs' Lucas Bergvall. The latter appears to be more from the Tottenham end, with the North London club needing to offload players after their big transfer spend so far this window.

The Swede is still only 20 and has already impressed in the Premier League, but Newcastle have baulked at Spurs' asking price.

But while new faces are needed - and quickly - United should not be too hasty and overlook talent already at the club, especially when it comes to Tonali's former role.

After all, they have their own young midfield star in the making, three months younger than Bergvall and with just as much experience on the biggest stage.

Lewis Miley has long been identified as a top player of the future, but now is the time to hand him the keys to the midfield engine room.

He's learned at Tonali's shoulder for the past three years, and despite his tender years, has already developed into an phenomenal midfielder player.

He has all the tools to own the centre of the park and the vision to pull the strings in what is a crucial position for Eddie Howe's side.

He's already made 80 first-team appearances for Newcastle despite only turning 20 in May, scoring six goals and adding eight assists.

Bergvall has one more assist but only two goals in his 78 games for Tottenham in all competitions.

That's not to say the Swede wouldn't be an excellent signing for United, should the price come down.

However if it's midfield hot prospects you're looking for - and Newcastle certainly are - then they should remember the talent already in the dressing room.

Newcastle United transfer latest as Eddie Howe's squad revamp continues

Newcastle United's hunt for midfield reinforcements could see them make further enquiries for Tottenham Hotspur star Archie Gray - but they have been warned he's not ready to replace Sandro Tonali.

The Magpies are undergoing a revamp of their squad this summer, focusing on young players with 'high potential' to bring fresh energy and enthusiasm to the ranks.

That policy has already seen United sign 18-year-old Dutch prospect Sean Steur, winger Bazoumana Toure and goalkeeper Ewen Jaouen, with the likes of Kieran Trippier, Emil Krafth, Matt Targett, John Ruddy, Tonali and Anthony Gordon all departing.

Question marks remain over the future of captain Bruno Guimaraes, with Arsenal interested in the Brazilian. Guimaraes has told the club that he would like to explore a potential move although there has been no direct contact between Newcastle and the Gunners as a transfer high-wire act continues.

Newcastle's midfield could have a very different look to it come the first game of the season against Liverpool. With Tonali gone, Guimaraes potentially leaving and Joe Willock's future undecided, United are still seeking new signings in the centre of the park.

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Johan Manzambi was an attacking option until Aston Villa muscled in and Botafogo's Brazilian international Danilo is also a target while Newcastle like 20-year-old Gray, who was Spurs' player of the season in their fight against relegation.

They haven't advanced the interest yet but are still looking for a No 6 to replace Tonali, with Steur deemed to be a player who will need some time to adapt. However, Newcastle have been warned that Gray isn't ready yet to step into Tonali's boots.

Former England defender Danny Mills, speaking to Snabbare, said it would be a gamble if Newcastle made a big-money move for the versatile former Leeds youngster, who has also played full-back and centre-half for Tottenham.

"Archie Gray is still a young player with an awful lot of talent and potential," Mills said. "If that’s a direct replacement, it's a bit of a gamble because he still has a lot of learning to do.

"He's played pretty much every position except midfield in the last few years, which has been a shame for him because midfield is his strongest position.

"I assume Archie is going to be marginalised at Tottenham and isn't going to get many minutes. So, can they get their money back? I think they paid about £40million for him.

"Do they loan him out or sell him? If they can get their money back, they probably will.

"But again, you're buying potential. Is he going to go into that midfield and run it like Tonali or Bruno Guimaraes? It’s unlikely in the short term, but in two or three seasons, possibly.

"I understand the investment, but I don't think it's a direct replacement for Tonali right now."

The midfielder insists he only had eyes for Tottenham Hotspur after deciding to quit Newcastle United

Departing Newcastle United star Sandro Tonali has made it clear he did not hesitate when choosing Tottenham Hotspur.

The Italy international has tried to play down any connection with Arsenal after it was understood that he was offered to the Gunners before making the switch to their bitter rivals.

The midfielder was also linked with Manchester City and Man United throughout the summer, but says his connection with Spurs boss Roberto De Zerbi - who hails from Brescia like Tonali - was the overriding factor in his decision to move to Tottenham.

After his exit from Newcastle was confirmed, Tonali said: "I'm very happy to be here. When I arrived at the club today, it felt fantastic. People said about there being four or five clubs - there was only one.

"I spoke to the head coach for close to two hours about the club, the fans, the stadium and our football. It was like magic because I knew immediately that I had to sign for Tottenham. I've played against Tottenham a few times and always found a great atmosphere made by great fans. I can't wait to start the season."

Newcastle said farewell to Tonali in a public statement after three years on Tyneside. While the send-off to Anthony Gordon had been full of warmth with a sit-down interview with the England man, Tonali's farewell was noticeably cooler.

However, Tonali himself issued a gushing Instagram statement that was also followed by his wife Juliette hailing the city and region.

The Newcastle club statement read: "Sandro Tonali has completed a permanent transfer to Tottenham Hotspur. The undisclosed transfer fee represents the second-largest fee ever received for a player in Newcastle United’s history.

"Sandro departs St James’ Park having made 110 appearances for the club, scoring ten goals in all competitions.

"The 26-year-old, who joined from AC Milan in summer 2023, leaves having also won major silverware on Tyneside. He played an influential role as the club lifted the Carabao Cup in March 2025, and he featured a further 53 times last season, including 11 appearances in the UEFA Champions League.

"Everybody at Newcastle United thanks Sandro for his contribution to the club and wishes him and his family well for the future."

Tonali's deal went through at £100m and the proceeds will now be pumped into finding new stars for the Magpies.

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The Magpies have recouped a huge fee for Sandro Tonali after his sale to Tottenham Hotspur was confirmed

Sandro Tonali has completed his switch to Tottenham Hotspur for a fee understood to be around £100m in total.

The Italy star quit Newcastle after citing family reasons for his decision to move down south after three years at the club. However, the Magpies will plough the funds from his sale back into the team on the pitch and have immediately spent some of the cash on Bazoumana Touré.

A club statement from Newcastle read: "Sandro Tonali has completed a permanent transfer to Tottenham Hotspur. The undisclosed transfer fee represents the second largest fee ever received for a player in Newcastle United’s history.

"Sandro departs St James’ Park having made 110 appearances for the club, scoring ten goals in all competitions.

"The 26-year-old, who joined from AC Milan in summer 2023, leaves having also won major silverware on Tyneside. He played an influential role as the club lifted the Carabao Cup in March 2025, and he featured a further 53 times last season, including 11 appearances in the UEFA Champions League.

"Everybody at Newcastle United thanks Sandro for his contribution to the club and wishes him and his family well for the future."

On his way out of the airport in Milan, Tonali told assembled TV reporters when asked if he was happy with the deal: "Absolutely. We've decided to make a change, so we're ready for this new adventure."

Tonali also added: "Newcastle wanted the best for me and we wanted the best deal for them. So I think that once you go like this it is different, so we are all happy and I am ready for the new challenge."

Asked why he chose Spurs, Tonali said: "Let's say Roberto De Zerbi had a big percentage in this, and for a life choice, we come from Newcastle and our lives change with our child's birth. So we decided to change a bit.

"De Zerbi made a great difference and did the job very well."

The Magpies were informed that Tonali wanted to seek a new club via his agent Giuseppe Riso earlier this month, with a number of sides approached over a possible deal, including Arsenal, Man City and Tottenham Hotspur.

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Newcastle's financial situation examined with SCR rules coming in, Sandro Tonali being sold and the gap they must bridge to the 'big six'

Newcastle United confirmed the sale of Sandro Tonali to Tottenham Hotspur in a deal that could be worth up to £100million.

It was a deal which Newcastle could not turn down but it caused a bit of frustration among supporters that one of their best talents joined a side who had finished fourth bottom of the Premier League in each of the last two seasons.

Ever since the Magpies have been taken over by the Saudi Public Investment Fund in late 2021, they have faced obstacles on their ambition to try and disrupt the 'big six' clubs.

On the pitch, they have managed to compete, winning the Carabao Cup in 2025 having reached the final in 2023 as well, and twice qualifying for the Champions League in 2023 and 2025.

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But they have faced financial restrictions along the way, not being able to spend the vast amounts of money their owners possess amid spending rules in the guise of FFP, PSR and now SCR (squad cost ratio).

As a result, Newcastle have had to improve off the pitch and increase their commercial earning potential. But the gap between themselves and the big six clubs remains a chasm and there are big decisions to be taken - particularly when it comes to whether they stay or go from St James' Park - that will have a big say over how quickly they can bridge that gap to stop losing their best players and allowing them to compete at the top of the English game.

With that in mind, Chronicle Live spoke to football finance expert Kieran Maguire to get a handle on the big financial issues facing the club at present.

How SCR cycle will affect Newcastle

SCR rules are now in play in the Premier League after a vote passed the 14-club threshold to replace the PSR model with new spending rules.

Squad Cost Ratio is a financial regulation that limits Premier League clubs’ on-pitch spending to 85% of their football-related revenue and net profit/loss from player sales. However, teams who have qualified for European football can only spend 70% and Newcastle are expected to follow that path after entering into a settlement agreement with UEFA following a breach of its Financial Sustainability Regulations.

The SCR regulations came into effect on July 1. While PSR evaluated a club’s overall profit by including all revenues and costs, SCR measures on-pitch spending which encompasses both the income that clubs generate themselves and the revenues distributed by the League and other football competitions.

Under PSR, clubs are assessed based on their financial performance over a rolling three-year period, whereas the SCR sets clear spending limits for each season.

And that is why Newcastle selling Anthony Gordon before SCR was implemented will be measured differently to Tonali's sale to Spurs.

"If you sign a player in June 2026, if the player's on a five-year contract and you sign them for £60million, that's 60 months so it works out as £1m a month in amortisation," Maguire explained.

"So that really shouldn't be an issue preventing Newcastle United from recruiting players because I assume that they can afford £1m in the overall calculations.

"When it comes to player sales, all of the player sales are taken in the year in which the transaction takes place, so that would have been beneficial when it came to Anthony Gordon, but when we move to the SCR environment, which kicks in from the July 1, player sale profits will be spread over three years.

"So a sale which takes place this month, let's say that Newcastle make a profit of £30m, only £10m of that would go into the 2026-27 calculations."

So if Tonali's sale is recorded at £100m after Newcastle bought him for £55m three years ago on an initial five-year contract, meaning the amortised fee now stands roughly at £22m, the Magpies theoretically will make a profit of £78million.

But spread across three years that means only £26m will go towards this season's SCR accounts whereas Gordon's sale fell in the PSR cycle so the full profit from his move to Barcelona would have went towards those accounts.

£200m gap Newcastle must bridge

Tonali's deal highlighted just how far Newcastle still have to go to compete with Spurs, who can offset their poor performances on the pitch with excellent finances on it.

"Spurs are very good at what they do," Maguire told Chronicle Live. "And what they are very good at doing is being an entertainment complex. That's how I'd describe them. Whereas Newcastle United is a football club.

"Tottenham made, on average, £83 per fan per seat and that compares to Newcastle at £49 according to the 2024/25 figures. Spurs also have 30 non-football events a year at full capacity.

"As a result of that, their commercial income has gone through the roof. They made £277million from commercial income. That compares to £123million Newcastle netted. So there's £140 million [gap]. You've got £70million more in matchday income. You put those two together, and that's £200million.

"As far as the broadcast income is concerned, it's £3million a place. So they finished 17th, Newcastle finished 12th. So Newcastle got an extra £15million in TV money. But offset against that, Spurs are getting £200million more in commercial and matchday and that's why they're in a position to be able to effectively cherry-pick.

"They're also very good at not paying wages. In the sense that their wages are 45% of revenue. Newcastle's was 73%. So if they have to pay more money on wages, they've got the scope to make a blockbuster offer to a player without having any fears of breaching PSR or SCR, whereas Newcastle have to walk the tightrope."

Stadium decision holds the key

Spurs' stadium has been the key cornerstone to their financial success and it leaves Newcastle with a big decision to make over St James' Park.

Magpies chiefs are yet to decide whether to extend St James' Park or to move to a new site and build a multi-purpose state of the art new venue.

But while the commercial gap continues to be as stark as it is, it may be that a new stadium is the only way for Newcastle to break the glass ceiling and be able to compete financially with the big six clubs to sign top players and consistently qualify for the Champions League.

"Blame Beyonce and Coldplay," Maguire joked. "Blame NFL, Anthony Joshua. That's the reason why (Spurs can spend over £200million already this summer despite narrowly avoiding relegation last season).

"Newcastle United, are £100million behind Arsenal, they're £100million behind Manchester United, they're £70million behind Spurs, they're £60million behind Liverpool, when it comes to ticket sales.

"So, St James' Park, again, as an away fan, everybody loves a trip to Newcastle. It's in the centre of town, everybody's so friendly, it's a proper footballing city. All of these positives don't turn into cash for the club."

In the meantime, Newcastle will have to box clever in the transfer market and try to sign high potential players, much akin to the model adapted by Brentford, Bournemouth and Brighton but on a slightly bigger scale.

Newcastle fans will hope to see evidence of it working this summer to transform their fortunes on the pitch but the plan jars in the face of promises of the club becoming 'number one' and among the biggest teams in the world by 2030.

"If you can't be bigger, you've got to be smarter," Maguire finished. "And the trouble with that is the fans of Bournemouth, Brighton and Brentford, they've been conditioned by the club to be patient.

"The fans have bought into that because they know that their rightful place is in the Championship. Whereas we all know that Newcastle's rightful place is in the Premier League. So, it's a different set of expectations you get from what we could perhaps call the teacher's pets.

"But the fans have a different mentality. I think with the takeover, the way that it was sold at the time, it created an expectation that we could now match, stride by stride, those clubs. But those clubs brought in Financial Fair Play, which morphed into PSR, which morphed into SCR for a reason. And that reason was to create a closed shop."

Newcastle United have plenty of options to replace Sandro Tonali with during this summer transfer window after agreeing a £100m deal with Tottenham Hotspur

Sandro Tonali leaves a £100million hole in the Newcastle United midfield. A hole the club now has two months to fill before the summer transfer window closes.

Chronicle Live understands Newcastle will reinvest the initial £92.5million initial fee in "high potential talent" to replace the Italy international. That was also their approach this time last year when signing Anthony Elanga, Jacob Ramsey, Malick Thiaw and Nick Woltemade, all of whom were under 25 when they joined the Magpies.

Twelve months later, there are plenty more players who could fit the bill. Detailed below are nine possible replacements for Tonali.

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Adam Wharton

Crystal Palace continue to hold on to Adam Wharton with what appears to be relative ease every transfer window. Newcastle, however, may now have the resources to test their resolve this summer.

Missing out on the World Cup squad, combined with Oliver Glasner leaving, could convince the midfielder that now is the time to leave Selhurst Park. However, after winning the Conference League, they will be in the Europa League next season, something that Eddie Howe's side cannot offer during this coming campaign.

Wharton would be an ideal replacement for Tonali. At just 22, he is also undoubtedly a 'high potential talent'.

Alex Scott

Another midfielder who could move within the Premier League this summer is Alex Scott. Bournemouth, like Palace, have changed coaches ahead of next season and already sold Antoine Semenyo earlier this year.

As with Wharton, the upcoming campaign presents Scott with a first opportunity to play in the Europa League. There is also the potential for Champions League minutes should he move to one of the multiple other clubs credited with an interest in him.

Newcastle, however, have the most obvious need for a new midfielder. Other suitors this summer, such as Arsenal or Manchester United, cannot necessarily guarantee playing time.

Angelo Stiller

Newcastle are no strangers to recruiting from outside the Premier League. They have brought in players from the Bundesliga before, with mixed success, and Angelo Stiller could be worth the investment this summer.

At 25, he would qualify as a 'high potential talent'. Barely playing for Germany at the World Cup could also be a blessing, as it wouldn't further inflate his transfer fee.

Stuttgart, though, have qualified for the Champions League next season, which could prove hard to turn down. Newcastle, however, are in a position to steal a march on any other suitors.

Archie Gray

Sources on Tyneside insist that Newcastle did not make an offer for Archie Gray despite reports to the contrary. However, the midfielder is on their radar.

Spurs' signing of Mateus Fernandes and Tonali will only increase the competition for places in midfield. The Leeds United academy graduate could potentially become the odd one out next season under Roberto De Zerbi after falling out of favour following his appointment.

Gray is still only 20, but will want to receive the same senior international recognition as Scott and Wharton over the years to come. That is not going to happen on Tottenham's bench.

Lucas Bergvall

The fallout from signing two midfielders for the best part of £200million within days of each other is that the players they are coming in to replace may well want out. Lucas Bergvall is reportedly one of those after, like Gray, hardly getting a look in at the end of last season.

He is also 20, and it was perceived as a coup when Spurs signed the Swede two years ago. After already playing 50 times in the Premier League, a regular starting role will be what Bergvall wants.

Newcastle can now offer that to him. They are, though, not alone.

Johan Manzambi

Chronicle Live understands Newcastle have already pitched to Johan Manzambi's representatives this summer. However, they could do with Switzerland exiting the World Cup sooner rather than later so that the midfielder does not continue to impress in North America.

After leading Freiburg to the Europa League final, Manzambi appears in line for a step up this summer. Maintaining the momentum built Stateside should be a priority for the 20-year-old.

Newcastle have indicated he would be an important first-team player on Tyneside. There are, though, multiple suitors elsewhere in the Bundesliga and several more across the Premier League.

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Khephren Thuram

Another player who could choose to move this summer after missing out on playing at this summer's World Cup is Khephren Thuram. A year after making the Serie A team of the season, the midfielder is sitting at home watching the action Stateside after falling out of favour with the national team.

Juventus need to sanction sales this summer to strengthen their squad. That is something Newcastle could take advantage of.

After all, the last player they signed from Italy was not half bad. They would need to spend around half of what they receive for Tonali on the 25-year-old.

Felix Nmecha

Malick Thiaw's World Cup team-mate Felix Nmecha is another in-demand midfielder this summer after impressing at the World Cup despite being on a Germany team that rather flattered to deceive. Newcastle initially appeared priced out of a move for the player.

However, cashing in on Tonali could now see them revisit a move for Nmecha. With this fresh influx of funds, he would make a statement replacement for the Italian that Newcastle could do with.

At the age of 25, there is also still an argument that the Borussia Dortmund man represents "high potential talent". Nmecha would be an ideal replacement for Tonali.

Yasin Ayari

An opportunistic one now. Yasin Ayari is entering the final year of his Brighton & Hove Albion contract. He will enter next season on the back of an eye-catching World Cup in a very uninspiring Sweden side coached by Graham Potter.

The Seagulls are not known for having high-value players leave for free, unlike some other clubs, having previously cashed in on Leandro Trossard in a similar situation. Newcastle could now benefit if Brighton do likewise this summer.

Ayari turns 23 in October and still has plenty more potential to achieve. There is an ideal opportunity to do so on Tyneside.

The former Newcastle United captain does believes that Sandro Tonali did not cover himsefl in glory last season

Alan Shearer has endorsed Sandro Tonali's £100m sale to Tottenham Hotspur - insisting that the player's form in the 2025/26 season had become a cause for concern.

The former Newcastle and England captain believes Tonali leaves Tyneside having failed to recapture the form that helped the Magpies win the Carabao Cup and qualify for the Champions League, and has welcomed the huge fee for the 26-year-old.

When asked about Tonali's exit, Shearer suggested he would shed no tears on his departure and, speaking to BetFair, said: "I'm okay with Tonali leaving.

"As I previously said on this saga, if Newcastle set their fee at three figures and stick to it then that is fine and that's what they've got.

"I don't think he had a great season last season. We didn't see the Tonali we saw the season before, because he was incredible the season before.

"I thought by his own high standards, he didn't hit those heights last season at Newcastle. So, to get that much money for him, I think it's good. I think it's a good deal for Newcastle."

But Shearer believes that the sale would only have been worthwhile if Newcastle quickly followed up on the star's move to the bright lights of London.

Shearer said: "They now have to spend that money wisely. By all accounts, they're going for young, hungry players in terms of £30-or-40-million-pound deals.

"So, if that's the case, then I'm okay with it."

Shearer also spoke of frustration at Spurs being able to spend at will despite two shocking seasons in the Premier League while the Magpies were forced to sell Elliot Anderson to Nottingham Forest two years ago for what now looks like a paltry £35m given his £116m switch to Man City.

The Toon legend said: "This is my argument in terms of the rules in football now on clubs spending. You've got a team who finished 17th twice in a row, yet they can go and blow everyone out of the water in terms of money-wise, where Newcastle can't.

"Newcastle have had to sell their best young players, had to sell their best players to comply with the rules.

"So, it never, ever sits easy with me. But that's Tottenham, that's fine, they can do that. I guess De Zerbi got that in his contract, if we stay up, this is what we have to do, otherwise I'm not coming.

"So, he's in a real power situation. The power is always with De Zerbi in terms of what he wants and what he can do. So, yeah, I'm fine with Spurs spending the money. It's just frustrating that Newcastle with the wealth can’t spend like that."

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Tonali is on the verge of leaving Newcastle United to join Tottenham Hotspur

Tottenham Hotspur's ownership don't know what they are doing in the transfer market and Sandro Tonali has only swapped Newcastle for North London for money.

That is the scathing view of former Crystal Palace owner and talkSPORT pundit Simon Jordan who has been left baffled by some of Spurs' decisions this summer.

Tonali is on the verge of joining Spurs in a deal worth up to £100m as he is set to link up with fellow Italian Roberto De Zerbi at the Tottenham Hotspur stadium.

Spurs have spent big this summer, signing Mateus Fernandes for £85million, Jan Paul van Hecke for £52million from Brighton, as well as signing Martin Dubravka, Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi on free transfers.

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All of this is in the backdrop of finishing 17th in the Premier League table for the second successive season and Jordan has not only questioned their huge spending already this summer but also Tonali's motivation to join a team who avoided relegation on the final day of last season.

"What does it tell you about the players who are joining them?" Jordan asked on talkSPORT. "With respect to Tonali, why would you go from Newcastle to Tottenham Hotspur? I suspect it is because of the money.

"I don't know what that tells you. That either tells you, you have a player playing for money or a playing for ambition because you are going to a side that finished fourth from bottom of the league last year.

"I don't think they know what they are doing. They are paying massively over the odds for these players. I think they have gone from one extreme to the other.

"I think you have football expertise that Daniel [Levy] and his team exhibited at certain times but didn't have the balls or the financial desire to push the envelope.

"Now they have gone the other way which is you don't care about the financial concerns of what you are doing, you are just going to spend whatever you are going to spend. The fans will love it."

Tonali jetted into London yesterday to complete his move to Spurs and attention on Tyneside has now turned towards who will replace the Italy international at St James' Park.

The Magpies are close to signing winger Bazoumana Toure from Hoffenheim and are also confident of wrapping up a deal for attacking midfielder Johan Manzambi from Freiburg.

Monaco's Lamine Camara is seen as a potential Tonali successor and Newcastle have tracked his progress for a long while now.