Tottenham to 'move quickly' to agree Sandro Tonali deal and fend off Man City hijack

Tottenham Hotspur are already eyeing up a second offer for Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali, sources have told Football Insider.

The Lilywhites are currently in the "box seat" to sign the Italian, with Roberto De Zerbi having already outlined him as their top target.

Spurs are now expected to "move quickly" to try and get a deal for the 26-year-old over the line, as they are "wary" of interest from Manchester City in the background and a potential hijack.

Tonali has already made it clear that he is keen to leave Newcastle and find a new challenge this summer, and they are holding out for £100million in order to sanction his exit.

Tottenham's opening offer of £80m was swiftly knocked back by the Magpies, who are determined to see their valuation met.

Tonali notched three goals and six assists in all competitions last term, and has become one of the Premier League's most sought-after midfielders.

De Zerbi achieved his immediate remit of keeping Tottenham in the Premier League, and now he appears set to reap the benefits.

The Italian boss is already being well-backed in the summer market, with the Spurs hierarchy intent on avoiding another relegation battle next term.

They have already made significant free agent signings in Marcos Senesi and Andy Robertson, as well as adding Brighton's Jan Paul van Hecke to their backline.

The North Londoners are now ready to splash the cash again to get Tonali, but it is clear that they still need to sweeten the deal a little more.

Newcastle are determined to get as much as they possibly can for the former AC Milan star, who has had plenty of suitors across Europe in recent months.

Tottenham's interest has developed quickly in recent days, and they intend to continue accelerating towards a deal.

Football Insider revealed last week that Tottenham's interest in Tonali has come as a "surprise" to Newcastle.

The capital club have already received encouragement from the player's camp that he would be willing to make the move to North London, which has caught his current club off guard.

Newcastle have been fielding interest from both Manchester clubs in recent months, but Tottenham are now the ones at the front of the queue.

The Magpies do not have European football to help fend off potential suitors, and appear unlikely to be able to keep hold of their star.