Why Liverpool hold the key to blockbuster Sandro Tonali transfer

Sandro Tonali is set to be one of the protagonists of the summer transfer window, and his blockbuster Newcastle exit will be linked to Liverpool‘s summer business.

The Italy international made headlines on Deadline Day when it was revealed that Arsenal had explored a deal to sign him after Mikel Merino suffered a long-term foot injury.

FootballTransfers revealed on Friday that it was Tonali who pushed for his representatives to engage in talks with the Gunners. Although a deal did not materialise, the Premier League retain an interest in the 25-year-old for the summer.

However, they will be far from his only suitors. Juventus dream of bringing Tonali back to Serie A, while Chelsea have also recently been associated with a move for the former AC Milan star.

Tonali’s agent has hinted that his Newcastle future could be determined by Champions League qualification, which currently looks virtually unattainable unless the Magpies have a spectacular end to the season.

Liverpool could unlock Tonali’s move

Newcastle, of course, want to keep hold of their star midfielder, but this will clearly prove a tough challenge in the summer. Intriguingly, Liverpool could unlock Tonali’s future.

That is because TEAMtalk claims that Newcastle are interested in Curtis Jones, who is facing an uncertain future at Anfield. Although a boyhood fan of the Reds, the 25-year-old is frustrated with his squad player role and is open to an exit.

Jones was keen on a move to Inter in January, but the deal fell through because Liverpool refused to sanction a loan deal. The midfielder is under contract until 2027, and it was made clear to him that his only two options are an extension or a permanent departure.

Newcastle hold a summer interest in the Scouser, but he is not the only Merseyside-native to have emerged on Eddie Howe’s radar. CaughtOffside claims that the Magpies are also interested in former Liverpool youngster Tyler Morton.

The 23-year-old has been sensational for Lyon this season after permanently departing the Reds in the summer. Crucially for Newcastle and other suitors, Liverpool failed to include a buy-back clause in the deal.

This means that they have no control over his future, although they would stand to benefit from his next move via a 20 per cent sell-on clause. Due to their well-known financial issues, Lyon are in no position to turn down lucrative offers for their star players, and Newcastle are thought to be leading the chase for Morton.

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