AC Milan defender Fikayo Tomori has emerged as a concrete target for Premier League powerhouse Newcastle United.
Italian news outlet Corriere dello Sport claims the Magpies have enquired about the former Chelsea ace amidst Eddie Howe’s bid to strengthen his defensive options.
Paulo Fonseca’s men are reportedly asking for £41 million to sanction the Englishman’s homecoming transfer, perhaps aware of Newcastle’s financial prowess.
Milan and Newcastle arranged Sandro Tonali’s switch to St James’ Park 12 months ago, with the Tyne outfit forking out €70m to land the Italian midfielder.
However, the 24-year-old’s notorious gambling problems ruined his first season in the Premier League, yet the Magpies will hope Tomori’s move would make up for that misfortune.
Since swapping Chelsea for Milan in January 2021, Tomori has developed into one of the most highly-rated centre-backs in Serie A, becoming the cornerstone of Stefano Pioli’s backline.
Last season’s Serie A runners-up parted with £25m in the summer of 2021 to turn the 26-year-old’s move permanent and are keen to make a significant profit from his sale.
Tomori’s renaissance in Italy has increased his international prospects, with Gareth Southgate naming him in his provisional England squad for the 2024 European Championship.
Despite failing to make the final cut, the Canada-born rearguard remains among the most dependable defenders in Europe and would be a decent coup for Newcastle.
Howe’s team can’t realistically hope to drive the price down, though, considering Tomori still has another three years left to run on his contract at San Siro.
With Milan vying for the signature of in-demand Monaco midfielder Youssouf Fofana, they’d be ready to listen to offers for their defensive stalwart since they need to raise funds for the Frenchman’s arrival.
It could play into the Magpies’ hands.
Tomori’s previous stint in the Premier League was hardly memorable, yet he could turn his fortunes around at Newcastle.
