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Sandro Tonali will play the 2026/27 Premier League season under Roberto De Zerbi, with Tottenham Hotspur agreeing a £100m move for the Newcastle United midfielder

Tottenham Hotspur have completed the £100million signing of Sandro Tonali from Newcastle United. The midfielder becomes Tottenham's sixth signing of the summer, joining on a long‑term contract in north London.

Speaking for the first time, 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."

Spurs head coach, Roberto De Zerbi added: "Sandro is a special player and a great signing for our Club. I have followed him for a long time, as he came through the youth system at my hometown club, Brescia, and I'm so happy to be working with him now.

"Given his qualities, there was a lot of interest in Sandro this summer. However, he was very clear in his desire to join Tottenham, and I know our fans will love what he brings to the team."

Spurs are set to pay £92.5million, with a further £7.5m available in add‑ons. In a video released by the club, James Maddison was the one who sat down to announce the Italian's signing.

A statement from Newcastle read: "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."

In a separate message to Newcastle supporters, Tonali wrote on Instagram: "Three years ago I came to Newcastle not really knowing what to expect. Today it's time to say goodbye and it’s hard to find the right words. I want to start by thanking the club.

"To the people who work every day and nobody sees at the training ground, everyone who welcomed me and made me feel at home from the very first day. Thank you to the staff and my teammates for believing in me and helping me grow. A special mention to the gaffer, Eddie, who's been a real guiding figure and who always had my back throughout this journey.

"But above all, I want to speak directly to the fans. When things were hard for me, you were there. Not for one day did I feel alone. I felt it every time I was at St James' Park. That's something I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

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"The game brought me to Newcastle. Today I leave with my wife and our son, born during my time here. This city gave me more than football. It gave me a home, moments I'll hold onto forever and people I will always be grateful for. Thank you for everything."

Spurs have been active in the summer transfer window, with Tonali becoming the latest arrival alongside Martin Dubravka, Marcos Senesi, Andrew Robertson, Jan Paul van Hecke and Mateus Fernandes. Tonali will wear the number 16.

Tottenham Hotspur could cap off a dream summer on the transfer front with more exciting names expected to sign in the coming weeks

Tottenham Hotspur have executed significant business in the transfer market this summer so far. Leaving their competitors trailing behind, Roberto De Zerbi appears to have been furnished with the resources to compete across multiple competitions this season.

It has been a challenging period for Spurs, with the club battling against relegation over the past two campaigns. The appointment of De Zerbi seems to have injected fresh energy into the Lilywhites, and for evidence, one need only examine the squad the Italian is presently assembling.

Following Spurs' survival last term, their new manager said: "From tonight, we have to start to organise and to build a new team," and it appears he is making good on that pledge.

An ideal summer for the club regarding transfers has already commenced. Defensively, Spurs have secured Jan Paul Van Hecke from Brighton for £52m.

They have additionally brought in veteran Liverpool star Andy Robertson and Bournemouth's Argentinian 29-year-old centre-back Marcos Senesi, providing them with a solid and seasoned defensive line.

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In the middle of the park, West Ham United's Mateus Fernandes has also joined De Zerbi's ambitious overhaul, while Newcastle United's Sandro Tonali also appears poised to make the switch. What more is needed to ensure this becomes a memorable summer?

Well, between the sticks, Antonin Kinsky merits an opportunity to establish himself as the undisputed No.1 following a string of composed displays last term. He has lately penned fresh terms, while Guglielmo Vicario could be heading for the exit.

That said, Spurs might pursue Manchester City's James Trafford, 23, who has found himself relegated to understudy behind Gianluigi Donnarumma at the Etihad. He would represent more than adequate competition for Kinsky, while Martin Dubravka, 37, who arrived from Burnley this summer, will additionally provide invaluable experience from the substitutes' bench.

It's in attack where Spurs could deliver a significant statement, with the club reportedly holding a three-man shortlist to improve upon Richarlison and Dominic Solanke. According to The Independent, Bournemouth's Eli Junior Kroupi seems to be the frontrunner to fit into De Zerbi's forward line, though could set them back approximately £80m.

The 20-year-old is understood to be coveted by Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain, nevertheless. Spurs could genuinely cap off an ambitious period by landing French star Kroupi ahead of their north London adversaries.

Transfer activity under Spurs' new regime has demonstrated that they won't be deterred by hefty price tags this summer. The club's determination in negotiating a deal with Newcastle for the highly sought-after Tonali proves that they possess the credentials to compete with Arsenal for Kroupi.

AC Milan star Rafael Leao's name has reportedly been mentioned as someone Tottenham could be interested in. According to reports from Italy, Milan have set an asking price of approximately £55m for the 27-year-old winger.

Informal talks with Milan are understood to have occurred, though no formal negotiations have yet commenced for the Portuguese international.

Finally, Manchester City winger Savinho, whom Spurs pursued last year, could arrive. The Brazilian, who netted once in 24 Premier League outings last season, would reportedly command a fee of around £60m.

Landing all three of Kroupi, Leao and Savinho appears improbable, but not impossible given Spurs' activity thus far this summer. Even capturing two of the trio would mark significant progress for Spurs as an attacking force and cap off a remarkable window that will be remembered for years to come.

Put simply, if Spurs were to bring in Trafford and two of Kroupi, Leao and Savinho to complement their already formidable squad, they could be looking at spending approximately £350m this transfer window. The push to finally transform the club's fortunes is underwaRoberto y.

Tottenham Hotspur have been proactive so far in the summer transfer window under Roberto De Zerbi with big money spent after a dismal campaign

Former Crystal Palace owner Simon Jordan has slammed Tottenham Hotspur over their £237million summer transfer splurge. Spurs have been busy as they look to strengthen an underperforming squad.

The north London side kicked off their spending spree by signing defender Jan Paul van Hecke from Brighton & Hove Albion for £52m. Spurs then made a statement of intent with Mateus Fernandes joining for a club-record £85m from relegated West Ham United on Thursday.

But the huge sum did not stay long at the top of Tottenham's all-time transfer list. News emerged on Wednesday that Spurs agreed a mega £100m deal for Sandro Tonali.

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Tottenham will fork out an initial £92.5m for the Newcastle United midfielder, with an additional £7.5m in proposed add-ons for the Italian. And Jordan has questioned on TalkSPORT why so many elite players are looking to join Spurs after their dismal 17th-placed finish in the Premier League last term.

He said: “What does it tell you about the players that are joining them? Because with respect to Tonali, why would you go from Newcastle to Tottenham Hotspur?

“I suspect it's because of the money - that tells you that you've either got a player that's playing for money, or a player that's playing for ambition because you're going to a side that finished fourth from bottom of the league last year."

After casting doubt over Tonali's ambitions, Jordan then questioned Tottenham's ownership and their new transfer strategy.

The 58-year-old said: "I don't think they know what they're doing. They're paying massively over the odds for these players.

“I think you've gone from one extreme to the other - you've got football expertise that Daniel [Levy] and his team exhibited at certain times, but they didn't have the balls or the financial desire to push the envelope. Now you've gone the other way, which is you don't care about the financial concerns of what you're doing.

“You're just going to spend whatever you want to spend. And the fans will love it. But when you're looking at what they're buying…"

Tottenham's busy summer is unlikely to be over with Bournemouth forward Eli Junior Kroupi also of interest. There is, however, competition for the forward with Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain also showing an interest.

Tottenham might well have paid over the odds for Mateus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali but their early summer outlay shows they mean real transfer business and are starting to look like a serious football club again

As Harry Kane was talking us through his heroics in Atlanta the other night, news was breaking that Newcastle United had accepted an offer from Tottenham Hotspur for Sandro Tonali. By the time Kane gets his match boots on again, there is every chance Spurs will have signed someone else.

They are not messing around. It goes without saying that the fee for Tonali - £92.5million with £7.5million in possible add-ons - is exorbitant, just as the £85million outlay on Mateus Fernandes is patently excessive.

Yes, there is obviously a premium on central midfielders with a defensive, combative nature but even so, £85million for a player who has helped a team to relegation in successive seasons - as Fernandes did with Southampton and then West Ham - seems excessive. As does a possible nine-figure fee for a player who was decent in a mediocre Newcastle season but who contributed no Premier League goals and two Premier League assists. He had four Premier League bookings.

Sure, scoring and assisting might not be Tonali's primary tasks but you would not be asking too much to expect a little more goal involvement from a midfielder. But Manchester City are paying a flat fee of £116million for Elliot Anderson, so the tax on these grafters is clearly high.

Too high for Manchester United, who balked at the fee for Fernandes, but not too high for Spurs. And their overspending is becoming a remarkable statement of intent.

Don’t forget, they also spent £52million on a player, Jan Paul van Hecke, who only had a year left on his contract with Brighton. And while Spurs have acquired Martin Dubravka, Marcos Senesi and Andy Robertson on free transfers, they enticed them with high-end salaries.

In addition to the £92.5million outlay on the fee for Tonali, Spurs are believed to have agreed a personal package of £275,000 a week. Presumably, the existing wage structure has been dismantled.

Which brings us back to Kane. Obviously, Kane is not going back to Spurs any time soon. If he were to leave Bayern Munich this summer, it seems Barcelona would be a possible destination but his German employers seem confident the England captain will sign a new contract.

Kane’s current deal in Munich runs until the summer of 2027. Which is why Spurs should be on the phone to Kane’s people. Seriously.

Even if Kane is happy to stay at Bayern - and he has every reason to be happy there - he will be thinking ahead to his next move. And if this Spurs spending spree - along with lavish expenditure on wages - pays dividends this season, why shouldn’t they be in the market to bring Kane home next summer?

A lot of things would have to fall into place and considering they finished 17th last season, that is a tall order.

Roberto de Zerbi would have to have Spurs in the Champions League, they would have to be realistic Premier League contenders, but that is exactly what will be expected to happen now that they are going big-time in the transfer market.

And they would have to meet the wage demands of a player who could, at this moment in time, write his own cheque. But now that Spurs are flexing significant financial muscle, they could afford him.

No-one really knows if Kane will want to come back to England to add that Premier League goals record to his name. But if he does, perhaps the idea of him doing it at Spurs is not so far-fetched after all.

'I snubbed Man Utd for Tottenham just like Mateus Fernandes - I massively regret it'

Mateus Fernandes has joined Tottenham from West Ham in an £85million deal, despite being pursued by Manchester United

Paul Gascoigne has repeatedly voiced his regret about choosing Tottenham over Manchester United for financial reasons. Gascoigne was among the most exciting talents in English football when Sir Alex Ferguson expressed interest in signing the midfielder in 1988.

The England icon was set to join the Red Devils from Newcastle, but a last-minute change of heart, influenced by the more lucrative financial offer from Spurs, led to a U-turn, with 'Gazza' turning down United.

A whopping 38 years on, West Ham's Mateus Fernandes has seemingly followed suit. The midfielder was one of United's priority transfer targets this summer, having held extensive talks with club officials in recent weeks, only to join the north Londoners in an £85million deal.

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Fernandes' decision raised eyebrows, considering the Old Trafford club secured Champions League qualification last season while Spurs finished 17th in the Premier League. It is reported that the Portuguese, like Gascoigne, opted for the superior financial package, although reports indicate United were also reluctant to match the £85m sum Spurs were prepared to pay upfront.

Yet, if Fernandes was driven by financial gain, Gascoigne's story serves as a stark warning, given that the former England midfielder has repeatedly stated that snubbing United in 1988 remains his greatest footballing regret. The 59-year-old admitted years later that, if it were possible to turn back the clock, he would have done things differently to achieve sporting success under Sir Alex.

Gascoigne said on The Rest is Football podcast: "Sir Alex Ferguson called us and said, 'I want to sign you' and I went, 'OK, I'll sign' so I went on holiday and he said, 'When you come back from holiday will you be at Old Trafford' and I said, 'Yeah', so I told my dad, 'I'm going to Old Trafford' and he said, 'Brilliant' then two days later the phone went and it was Irving Scholar (former Tottenham chairman)."

He explained that the promise of a bonus for his father swayed both Gascoignes towards White Hart Lane. He added: "I said, 'Dad, it's Tottenham', and he said, 'Tell them to f**** off, you're singing for Man United', so I said, 'F**** off, I'm signing for Man United', so Irving says, 'Tell your dad I'll give him £120,000', so I said, 'Dad they're going to give you £120,000 if I sign for Tottenham' and he went, 'What are you waiting for then son?'"

In a startling revelation, Gascoigne then revealed how it wasn't just financial incentive that clinched the deal but the promise of gifts for his family - including a sunbed.

He said: "I went, 'Oh yeah, I think I'm about to sign for Tottenham'. He (his dad) hadn't moved off the chair and he said, 'I want a BMW soft top with a private reg', so I rang Irving back and said, 'Can me dad have that?' and he said, 'Oh yeah, consider it done'.

"So I passed Old Trafford on the way (to Spurs), and I was worried but then as I got close I rang my sister and she said, 'Paul, if my mum is getting a house and dad's getting a car, then I want a sunbed', so the deal was done on the sunbed."

Gascoigne went on to become a legend at Spurs, lifting the FA Cup in 1991. But the England hero still feels he would have been better served playing his best football for United - something he still deeply regrets.

He said in 2015: "Sometimes I do look back and think what would have been if… would I have won all those trophies. When I signed for Spurs, Man United became great, and they started winning everything. I look at that, and it's probably one of the regrets I have."

Sir Alex has also admitted that not signing Gazza was the biggest disappointment of his managerial career. That's despite the Scot's initial fury at the player's decision, having refused to speak to him for a significant period afterwards before patching things up.

Gascoigne recalled: "I went and signed for Spurs, and then I got fan mail. The first letter was from Sir Alex Ferguson. It wasn't a good letter. I got caned. I was like [to myself], 'I can't believe you turned down the biggest club.'"

Harry Kane is at the top of his game right now after hitting five goals in England's first four World Cup matches in the USA

Joe Cole believes Harry Kane is getting more respect because he is no longer playing for Tottenham Hotspur. Kane, 32, scored a fantastic brace to save England from World Cup humiliation against DR Congo.

The Three Lions' skipper took his tournament tally to five goals, just one behind Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe. Kane's goal-scoring follows another breath-taking campaign for Bayern Munich, which saw him contribute 61 goals and seven assists in 51 appearances.

The striker has since been tipped to win the Ballon d'Or at the end of the year with his performances. Cole, albeit speaking tongue in cheek, believes Kane is getting more respect because he is also playing for Bayern Munich instead of Tottenham.

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Speaking on the Rest is Football podcast, when asked if the world is opening their eyes up to Kane's quality, Cole said: "Do you know what? That's the problem with us [England], it ain't till he's gone to Germany and smashed it.

"Germans have gone 'wow' that he's getting his flowers now because he's been, arguably... I'm blaming Tottenham. I blame 'em for most things, but we've not ever appreciated him until now and he's standing on the shoulders of everyone."

At Tottenham, Kane helped himself to 280 goals and 63 assists in 435 appearances for the north Londoners. While he did compete in the 2019 Champions League final, he left Spurs without winning a major trophy.

Kane is on the verge of besting his best World Cup tally, the six goals he scored in the 2018 World Cup. However, the striker insists England's progress will be about everybody making a vital contribution of their own, no matter what form he is in.

After the win, Kane said: "It feels amazing to be honest. What a crazy game. First and foremost we were playing against a tough team, an organised team.

"We went behind but after the first hydration break we upped the level and looked good. Their keeper made some unbelievable saves.

"It was about keep pounding and our moment will come. We spoke about people having hero moments, whether it is me, a save from Pickford, a block from the defenders, whoever it is."

Kane will need to take that form into Monday, when the Three Lions step into the sky-high cauldron that is the, quite literally, breath-taking Azteca Stadium. They will be up against a Mexico side, who have won all four games without conceding a goal, and will also be cheered on by 87,000 home supporters.

Reason why Arsenal rejected Sandro Tonali transfer as Tottenham close in on enormous deal

Newcastle United have agreed to sell Sandro Tonali for £100million this summer after missing out on Champions League qualification last season by finishing 12th in the Premier League

Arsenal reportedly turned down the opportunity to sign Sandro Tonali before Tottenham Hotspur sealed a £100million agreement with Newcastle United. Tonali, 26, is set to become the second player to shatter Spurs' transfer record during this summer window, with Matheus Fernandes also expected to arrive from West Ham United for £85million.

The Gunners had also shown interest in the Portugal international. This means two of the most sought-after Premier League midfielders on the market during this summer transfer window are now heading to north London.

The duo will help transform the Spurs' midfield, with a revamped side expected next season. Tonali, however, could have ended up at the Emirates Stadium.

ChronicleLive reports that his agent Giuseppe Riso offered the Italy international to Arsenal. Yet the Gunners are said to have rejected that chance because they considered his salary expectations excessive.

Tonali is understood to be set to receive £275,000 per week at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on a six-year deal. Riso also supposedly requested a 10% agent fee.

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Riso discussed his client's availability candidly ahead of this summer's transfer window opening. He said in March: "Exactly, that was the goal from the moment he went to England – to try to make him a star player. I think he's the Italian footballer with one of the highest values in the world.

"The deal came about because a club like Newcastle, with unlimited financial resources, had decided to invest in Sandro. We considered the idea of having the player play in a higher-level league."

Spurs will pay an initial £92.5million, with £7.5million in add-ons dependent on Champions League qualification. Them improving their initial £80million offer by around £20million sealed the deal with Newcastle.

Arsenal are also believed to be in the running to sign Bruno Guimaraes. The Gunners' interest in the Brazil international is said to stretch back to 2020, when the midfielder was still playing for Atletico Paranaense in his home country.

Newcastle, however, have already recouped £80million from Anthony Gordon's sale this summer. With a further £100million set to follow from the Tonali deal, they appear even less inclined to lose their club captain.

Their chief executive, David Hopkinson, addressed the prospect of players departing three months ago, stating: "We think through what players might or might not want to do this summer.

"But if an [Alexander] Isak-like scenario presents itself again, any player under contract is going to leave on our terms. And we're going to maximise the opportunity that might represent for the club."

Portugal midfielder Mateus Fernandes has left West Ham to complete a permanent move to London rivals Tottenham Hotspur following the Hammers' relegation to the Championship

Tottenham Hotspur have confirmed the signing of Mateus Fernandes on a permanent deal from West Ham United. The move sees Spurs beat Manchester United to the Portugal international's signature, who had been heavily linked with a move away from the London Stadium.

Fernandes becomes the fifth new signing for Tottenham this summer as Roberto De Zerbi continues his plans for the new Premier League season. Andy Robertson, Marcos Senesi, Martin Dubravka and Jan Paul van Hecke have all been signed by Spurs.

Reports emerged earlier this week claiming that Spurs had agreed a £85million deal to sign Fernandes. In doing so, they moved ahead of Man United in their battle to sign the playmaker. On the move, Fernandes said: "I'm very excited for this next step. Spurs is a massive club, and the head coach was a key part of why I have decided to join. When we spoke, it was very special.

"We look at football in the same way - going onto the pitch as a strong team, with fight and energy, to try and win every game. I can't wait to get started, to meet the fans, to meet everyone, and give everything for the club."

While De Zerbi, said: "I've admired Mateus for a long time because he combines quality on the ball with the intensity and intelligence that are so important in the way we want to play.

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"Despite his age, he already has good experience in the Premier League and has shown quality and consistency at this level. Mateus is comfortable under pressure, can progress the ball, works hard for the team and has the courage to make things happen in difficult moments. I believe this is the ideal environment for him to continue his development and I'm excited to start working with him."

Fernandes scored four goals across 38 appearances for West Ham last season. However, they were relegated from the Premier League. The 21-year-old spent just one season with the Hammers following his £40million move from Southampton 12 months ago and has now completed a move to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Tottenham do not have long to wait before they are back in pre-season action as they prepare for the new campaign. De Zerbi and Co. will travel to Australia and New Zealand, where they will have friendlies against Sydney FC, Auckland FC and Chelsea.

That will all be the build-up to the Premier League opener against Brentford on August 22 as Spurs travel to the Gtech Community Stadium looking to secure all three points. It now remains to be seen which other players Tottenham could look to sign before the summer transfer window closes, with a host of names already linked with moves to north London.

It now remains to be seen which other players Tottenham could look to sign before the summer transfer window closes, with a host of names already linked with moves to north London. Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali and Manchester City forward Savinho have both been mentioned as potential targets for Tottenham during this summer’s transfer window.

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The deal between Tottenham and Newcastle for Sandro Tonali will be a club-record transfer for the North London club, who are enjoying a busy summer

Tottenham Hotspur have reached an agreement to sign Sandro Tonali from Newcastle United in a deal that could reach £100million. The Athletic is reporting that a deal between both clubs has been struck that will see Spurs pay an initial £92.5m for Tonali, with an additional £7.5m in proposed add-ons based on multiple Champions League qualifications.

The Magpies have already rejected two bids from Tottenham for the Italy international after stepping up their pursuit late last month by initiating club-to-club contact. Personal terms between Tonali and Spurs were never expected to be a problem.

Tonali was identified as a top target for Spurs boss Roberto De Zerbi as he looks to rebuild his squad after helping the club avoid relegation from the Premier League. Arsenal have also been linked with a move for the midfielder, who signed for Newcastle from AC Milan for £55m three years ago. However, the midfielder now looks set to move to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium after Spurs turned their attention to him after reaching an agreement with West Ham for the £85million transfer of Mateus Fernandes. Fernandes is set to complete a medical at Spurs’ Hotspur Way training ground today after they won the race to sign the 21-year-old ahead of Manchester United on Tuesday evening. But the deal for Tonali will eclipse the previous club-record package worth a guaranteed £85m that secured the services of Fernandes.

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It has so far been a busy summer for Spurs, with Martin Dubravka, Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi all arriving on free transfers. While £52m was spent on Jan Paul van Hecke, who joined from Brighton & Hove Albion.

When asked about a possible deal last month, former Newcastle forward Alan Shearer believes there were two reasons why Tonali wanted to move to North London. He told Betfair: "Tottenham just avoided relegation. I get the attraction of London but going to Spurs who have finished so low over the last two years would be a surprise career move for Tonali in my eyes.

“But I'm not surprised if it's true that he's made an indication that he wants to leave Newcastle. Again, if he doesn't want to be there, you put the price you want and if someone wants to pay it, and it looks as if it'll have to be three figures, then you say thank you very much, get the £100million plus and you move on.

"I know Spurs have a new manager and that may be a pull for him, London obviously. But in terms of the football club, look where they have finished the last two years."

Tonali's agent, Giuseppe Riso, was asked about a possible exit from Tyneside in March, and he said: “Exactly, that was the goal from the moment he went to England – to try to make him a star player. I think he’s the Italian footballer with one of the highest values in the world.

"The deal came about because a club like Newcastle, with unlimited financial resources, had decided to invest in Sandro. We considered the idea of having the player play in a higher-level league."

When asked if Newcastle would sell Tonali this summer, CEO David Hopkinson said three months ago: "We think through what players might or might not want to do this summer.

"But if an Isak-like scenario presents itself again, any player under contract is going to leave on our terms and we’re going to maximise the opportunity that might represent for the club."

Tottenham Hotspur have agreed a deal worth around £85million to sign Mateus Fernandes from West Ham, beating off interest from Manchester United in the Portugal star

Tottenham Hotspur battled fiercely to land Mateus Fernandes from West Ham despite strong interest from Manchester United.

United were also in pursuit of the 21 year old midfielder's signature as they attempt to enhance their playing squad ahead of the new season, but Johan Lange, Tottenham's sporting director, emerged triumphant and has made a real statement of intent ahead of the new Premier League campaign.

Football.london reports that Spurs topped the Manchester United's offer for Fernandes, striking an agreement with the Hammers on a deal worth £85million. Manchester United pressed hard to land the former Southampton man, who is now poised to pen a long-term contract in north London, but withdrew their offer when the financial demands surpassed their valuation.

It is understood that the Red Devils are only interested in recruiting players who are fully committed to the Old Trafford project, and the Portugal international kept the door ajar to Tottenham throughout negotiations. In recent years, Manchester United have made a conscious effort to exercise patience and acquire the right player at the right price.

OPINION

Therefore, when Lange delved a little deeper into his resources and increased his offer, the Red Devils decided to walk away. West Ham have subsequently granted Fernandes permission to complete a medical ahead of a prospective switch to north London.

The playmaker is now poised to become Tottenham's fifth capture of the summer, joining Andrew Robertson, Marco Senesi, Jan Paul van Hecke, and Martin Dúbravka.

And Spurs have no intention of easing up, either, with Roberto De Zerbi keen to land further additions.

Addressing journalists on the final day of the campaign, after a victory over Everton which confirmed a Premier League berth, the Italian turned heads when he hinted that half of the side he inherited could face the chop.

De Zerbi said: "From tonight, we have to start to organise and to build a new team. I think we have now to change too many players. We have 10, 11, 12 players good enough to stay. Good enough. Like players. Especially like people. And then we have to complete the squad with the first level of players."

Despite being on the verge of completing the Fernandes transfer, Sandro Tonali remains linked with a switch to Tottenham.

It's understood that Spurs have held discussions regarding the Newcastle United midfielder, though they're facing stiff competition in the battle for his signature as well.