Manchester City have entered the race to sign Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali, challenging Tottenham Hotspur for the Italy international as newly appointed manager Enzo Maresca seeks midfield reinforcements.
According to reports from La Gazzetta dello Sport, Maresca wants Tonali to cover for Rodri, who requires surgery, and to replace the departing Bernardo Silva.
This follows City's €20 million compensation package paid to Chelsea for the manager's services.
Newcastle United has raised its asking price for the midfielder to £116 million (€134 million).
TEAMtalk reported that Tottenham Hotspur is willing to match that figure due to Tonali's desire to play under fellow Italian Roberto De Zerbi.
A competing report from Marca revealed that Manchester City is willing to push past €110 million (£95 million) for the midfielder.
That fee would set a new record for an Italian player, surpassing the €68 million Al Qadsiah paid for Mateo Retegui in 2025.
The Premier League champions are additionally linked with Arsenal in their pursuit of Tonali.
City have already agreed to a British-record €134 million deal for England international Elliot Anderson, according to Italian media reports.
Former Manchester United player Paul Scholes commented on the situation, highlighting that his former club also needs to strengthen the squad to achieve success next season.
"The centre of the pitch is a big problem for me," Scholes said.
He noted the current lack of activity surrounding Manchester United regarding potential midfield targets, despite knowing other clubs are heavily monitoring the situation.
"You don't feel like something is happening either, there's nothing, there are no rumours," Scholes said.
Scholes recounted how he had previously highlighted the Newcastle United player as a primary target during media appearances months prior.
"I've said it, I said it on the podcast [The Good, The Bad & The Football] six months ago, I love Tonali from Newcastle," he said.
He acknowledged that other Premier League clubs are currently leading the pursuit for the Italian international.
"It looks like a few clubs are in for him including Tottenham," Scholes said.
Scholes emphasized that Tonali possesses valuable Premier League experience and top-tier capabilities despite missing an entire year of football.
"He knows the Premier League, he's been with Newcastle for two or three years, obviously he had a year where he couldn't play, but I think he's a top-class midfield player," he said.
He questioned whether Manchester United would match the high valuation but maintained that major investments are required.
"Whether Manchester United want to do that [Tonali] deal for £90-100m, whatever it is, I don't know," Scholes said.
Manchester United must make significant moves in the market to ensure competitiveness in the upcoming campaign.
"But I think they're going to have to do some business if they want to be successful next year," Scholes said.
