Liverpool open talks over Italy international midfielder deal

Liverpool have initiated discussions with representatives of Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali as the Reds weigh up another refresh of their engine room, TEAMtalk understands.

The 25-year-old Italy international, who joined Newcastle from AC Milan in 2023, has emerged as a live target for Anfield officials mindful that several members of their current midfield could be on the move this summer.

Curtis Jones is stalling on an extension and could be sold before entering the final two years of his deal, while Japan captain Wataru Endo—also contracted to 2027—has attracted enquiries in previous windows. Contract talks with Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch remain ongoing, and the Argentine World Cup winner has been persistently linked with Real Madrid.

With uncertainty swirling, Liverpool have joined Arsenal and Manchester City in sounding out Tonali’s camp. Sources indicate that formal contact has already taken place, although the Premier League trio face strong competition from Italy.

Tonali’s agent confirmed last week that the player is open to a new challenge, and Newcastle, conscious that his contract runs only until 2028, are expected to consider offers rather than risk losing him on a free transfer. Juventus and Inter Milan have expressed the keenest interest, and family considerations are pushing the midfielder toward a return to Serie A.

Despite Tonali’s preference for Italy, Liverpool’s approach signals their intent to stay ahead of the curve after the success of their last midfield overhaul. The 2023 rebuild—masterminded by Jürgen Klopp and then-sporting director Jörg Schmadtke—brought Mac Allister, Szoboszlai, Endo and Gravenberch to Merseyside, culminating in February’s EFL Cup triumph and the 2024/25 Premier League title.

Recruitment staff now hope to repeat that formula, with Tonali featuring prominently on their early-summer shortlist.