Here are your Newcastle United evening headlines on Sunday, June 25.
Sandro Tonali's agent reveals truth about 'tears' after AC Milan decided to sell to Newcastle
Sandro Tonali's agent has shut down talk that his client broke down in tears after he was told AC Milan were willing to sell him to Newcastle United.
While Tonali has previously spoken about the prospect of spending the rest of his career at his boyhood club, the Italy international also cautioned that it was 'too early' to make such promises back in December. Sure enough, just a few months on, Tonali has agreed personal terms with Newcastle on a six-year deal.
Much has been made of the fact that Tonali will earn a sizable wage hike, but it is worth remembering that the midfielder took a pay cut to join Milan in the first place. Money has never been Tonali's primary motivation and the 23-year-old would not join Newcastle if he had not been sold by the club's project.
Yet a report in La Republicca claimed that Tonali was so desperate to stay at Milan that he started crying when he was informed the Serie A giants were willing to sell him to Newcastle. However, Tonali's agent, Giuseppe Riso, put an end to such talk.
"No, absolutely not," he replied succinctly when asked about the claim.
Read the full story, here.
Newcastle's next transfer dilemma might be decided for them ahead of Sandro Tonali announcement
The first step of Newcastle's summer plan to bolster Eddie Howe's squad with 'elite' recruits looks set to be concluded shortly. Sandro Tonali is the latest star to be convinced by the project at St James' Park, agreeing a six-year deal ahead of a move thought to be worth at least £55 million.
The imminent deal for the Italy international is yet another signal of intent from the Magpies, who despite Financial Fair Play concerns show no signs of resting on their laurels following a top-four finish. Tonali fits the mould of an emerging star from the continent capable of thriving in a number of roles in Howe's starting eleven.
READ MORE: Sandro Tonali sent message by 'sorry' president who shows class before his move to Newcastle
Newcastle's need for another midfielder has been apparent for some time, and the AC Milan star is more than just the 'number six' many deemed essential to support Bruno Guimaraes. With the transfer down to mere formalities and set to be completed in the coming days, attention must now turn to other areas of the squad.
The obvious priority is for an offensive midfielder capable of playing in the central trio or among the frontline, and the search has seemingly been whittled down to two contenders. Away from the countdown over Tonali's announcement, the main question now is James Maddison or Dominik Szoboszlai?
Read the full story, here.
Anthony Gordon revelation will excite Newcastle as team-mate blown away by 'electric' attribute
Newcastle United winger Anthony Gordon is the 'quickest thing' that England under-21 team-mate Charlie Cresswell has ever seen.
Gordon clocked up a speed of 36.61km/hr at one point last season and that rapid pace was one of a number of attributes that first caught the eye of longtime admirer Eddie Howe, who signed the Scouser from Everton back in January. Gordon has taken time to settle in at Newcastle, having admitted that it has been 'hard mentally and physically', but the 22-year-old offered a glimpse of what is to come with a goal against Chelsea on the final day.
It was after that 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge that Gordon vowed that he would be 'physically on it like never before' this summer after taking time to get up to speed with Howe's intense demands. Those were not empty words.
Gordon impressed in England under-21s' 2-0 win against Czech Republic in their Euros opener in Georgia on Thursday and set up Jacob Ramsey's goal with a clever flick before later having a strike disallowed himself. Gordon should keep his place in a central role for the Young Lions' game against Israel on Sunday evening and Cresswell has certainly been impressed by his team-mate.
"Anthony is electric," the Leeds United defender told the England website. "He is the quickest thing I've ever seen. He's so sharp and he's got a great attitude."
Read the full story, here.
