Newcastle United have plenty of options to replace Sandro Tonali during this summer transfer window after agreeing a £100m deal with Tottenham Hotspur. The Italy international leaves a significant hole in the Magpies' midfield, but the club now has two months to fill it before the window closes.
Chronicle Live understands Newcastle will reinvest the initial £92.5m fee in 'high potential talent' to replace Tonali. This approach mirrors last summer's strategy when they signed Anthony Elanga, Jacob Ramsey, Malick Thiaw and Nick Woltemade, all under 25 at the time.
Adam Wharton
Crystal Palace continue to hold on to Adam Wharton with relative ease every transfer window. Newcastle, however, may now have the resources to test their resolve. Missing out on the World Cup squad, combined with Oliver Glasner leaving, could convince the 22-year-old to leave Selhurst Park. After winning the Conference League, Palace will be in the Europa League next season, something Newcastle cannot offer. Wharton would be an ideal replacement for Tonali and is undoubtedly a 'high potential talent'.
Alex Scott
Another midfielder who could move within the Premier League is Alex Scott. Bournemouth have changed coaches and already sold Antoine Semenyo this year. Scott has a first opportunity to play in Europa League next season, with potential Champions League minutes elsewhere. Newcastle have the most obvious need for a midfielder, while other suitors like Arsenal or Manchester United cannot guarantee playing time.
Angelo Stiller
Newcastle are no strangers to recruiting from the Bundesliga. Angelo Stiller, at 25, qualifies as 'high potential talent'. Barely playing for Germany at the World Cup could prevent fee inflation. Stuttgart have qualified for the Champions League, which could be hard to turn down, but Newcastle can steal a march on suitors.
Archie Gray
Sources insist Newcastle did not make an offer for Archie Gray despite reports, but he is on their radar. Spurs' signings of Mateus Fernandes and Tonali increase competition. Gray, 20, fell out of favour under Roberto De Zerbi and may become the odd one out. He wants senior international recognition, unlikely from Tottenham's bench.
Lucas Bergvall
Signing two midfielders for £200m may push Lucas Bergvall out. The Swede, 20, hardly played at the end of last season. After 50 Premier League appearances, he wants a regular starting role, which Newcastle can offer.
Johan Manzambi
Chronicle Live understands Newcastle have pitched to Johan Manzambi's representatives. The 20-year-old led Freiburg to the Europa League final and impressed at the World Cup. Newcastle indicated he would be an important first-team player, but multiple suitors exist in the Bundesliga and Premier League.
Khephren Thuram
After missing the World Cup, Khephren Thuram may move. The 25-year-old made Serie A team of the season last year but fell out of national favour. Juventus need to sell, and Newcastle could spend around half of Tonali's fee on him.
Felix Nmecha
Malick Thiaw's teammate Felix Nmecha impressed at the World Cup despite Germany's struggles. Newcastle initially appeared priced out but can now revisit a move. At 25, he represents 'high potential talent' and would be a statement replacement.
Yasin Ayari
Yasin Ayari enters the final year of his Brighton contract after an eye-catching World Cup with Sweden. Brighton may sell to avoid losing him for free, as they did with Leandro Trossard. Ayari, 23 in October, has plenty of potential to achieve on Tyneside.
