Newcastle United are in talks over a potential deal for Milan midfielder Sandro Tonali, sources have confirmed to 90min.

A new defensive midfielder is among Newcastle's top priorities for this summer's transfer window and they have been exploring numerous options.

They were linked with Inter's box-to-box midfielder Nicolo Barella, but it soon transpired that Newcastle's £50m valuation of him was well off Inter's price tag and the player himself showed little desire in making a move.

However, 90min understands that Newcastle have also been doing their homework on Tonali, who unlike Barella is open to the prospect of moving to England.

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Newcastle are in talks with the player's representatives as they want to make sure that he has a desire to move to Tyneside before making a firm offer, and early talks have gone well.

Tonali, who is due to captain Italy at this summer European Under-21 Championships, is attracted by the option Newcastle are presenting to him.

Newcastle are now ready to step up talks with Milan and are ready to offer £50m for Tonali, who enjoyed an outstanding campaign in Serie A last season, registering seven assists from midfield.

The Magpies are also continuing talks over a deal for James Maddison, but as it stands they are not prepared to meet Leicester's asking price of £60m.

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This article was originally published on 90min as Newcastle open talks over Sandro Tonali deal.