Newcastle United new boy Sandro Tonali's deal is believed to include an option of an extra 12 months after his first five years on Tyneside.
Tonali's deal was confirmed with a contract until 2028 announced by the Magpies but with the club looking at the deal as long-term investors, there is scope to extend his contract beyond the original term. Tonali has already been assured he will be a key player for Eddie Howe next season, sparking intriguing debates on how the Toon engine room will line up next season in the eyes of fans.
Tonali's deal is also believed to contain a future sell on clause which would see AC Milan pick up 10% of any future fees for the Italy international. Newcastle announced the transfer with the fee "undisclosed" but Tonali's deal is thought to be around £60million.
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Whether any potential add ons or incentives kick into the deal and take up above the record transfer fee for Alexander Isak remains to be seen. But he is certainly the most expensive Italian player in transfer history with his fee going above the £49million Chelsea paid for Jorginho to Napoli in 2018.
Newcastle will announce squad numbers next month but there may be a few clues on offer in pre-season on which shirt Tonali is allocated. He wore number 8 at AC Milan but whether Anthony Gordon would want to give up that number remains to be seen.
Tonali wore number 4 at Brescia before being transferred to AC Milan but that number currently belongs to Sven Botman. Number 6 could yet become available if Jamaal Lascelles moved on this summer but 1 to 11 are taken.
Tonali also wore 30 and 34 during his early years with Brescia but only 34 is currently available at Newcastle. Tonali has worn 8, 4 and 6 while playing for his country at Under-21 and senior level.
That could change of course so fans are reminded not to get shirts printed until the official squad release date.
