Transfer bombshell as Sandro Tonali's friend targeted as 'perfect' Sven Botman partner by Newcastle United

Newcastle United are reportedly weighing up a shock move for AC Milan centre-back Fikayo Tomori, according to reports.

Lloyd Kelly is set to arrive from Bournemouth on a free transfer once his contract expires later this month. But long-term injuries to Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles means the Magpies remain light in defence.

Paul Dummett will also depart on June 30, leaving space for further reinforcements across the backline. Signing Tomori would be considered a marquee arrival and a potential long-term partner for Botman.

He is an England international who left Chelsea in 2021 to forge a successful career at Milan. Since then, Tomori has regularly competed in the Champions League and won the Serie A title two years ago.

The 26-year-old was part of the team that dumped Newcastle out of Europe at St James’ Park last season. Football Insider now claim the Magpies are considering an approach for the defender.

Sources suggest around £45million would be enough to tempt the Serie A giants. The news comes one year on from Sandro Tonali’s arrival - a deal that proved fatal to Newcastle’s season given his 10-month ban for breaching betting regulations.

Tomori previously spoke about Newcastle being a “very strong team” and his relationship with Tonali before the Champions League clash last season. He said: “Newcastle are a very strong team. With legs up front and physicality at the back. They like to play it deep. 

“We know what we are expecting from them and we have to demonstrate our quality with and without the ball. Obviously, it will be nice to see him (Sandro Tonali) again. We played a lot of games together. 

“It will be nice to see him again so soon after he left but we are professionals. When the game starts, friendships go out the window. We want to win. After the game, we can start being friends again. During the game though, we are not friends.”