Barcelona have reportedly suffered a major blow in their pursuit of Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali ahead of the summer transfer window.
The Catalan giants have been tipped to bolster their options in the middle of the pitch amidst uncertainty over the long-term future of Frenkie de Jong, who is believed to be keen to stay at Camp Nou but is yet to extend his contract which expires in just over 12 months' time.
Hansi Flick's side, who currently sit top of La Liga, are understood to be giving consideration to approaching Tonali having now turned their attention away from Magpies teammate Bruno Guimaraes.
However, Football Insider claims that Newcastle will not entertain offers for the 24-year-old this summer despite growing interest in his services.
The report adds that a deal to sign the former AC Milan midfielder is considered extremely unlikely to take place this summer.
Due to their ongoing financial problems, cash-strapped Barcelona will struggle to afford Tonali and the Magpies will demand a 'huge fee' to even consider entering talks with another club over his future.
© Imago
Tonali set to stay at Newcastle despite Barcelona interest
Meanwhile, Tonali himself is said to have no interest in leaving St James' Park at this stage of his career having now established himself as first-team regular and a key member of Eddie Howe's squad.
The midfielder, who is under contact on Tyneside until June 2028, is believed to be happy at Newcastle and is also keen to repay the club after they supported him during his 10-month ban from football for breaching the FA's betting rules.
Since returning from that lengthy suspension in August last year, Tonali has started 25 of his 35 appearances for Newcastle across all competitions this season, chipping in with three goals and two assists.
Tonali has formed a successful partnership with Guimaraes and Joelinton in Newcastle's midfield, subsequently moving Sean Longstaff and Joe Willock further down the pecking order, while Lewis Miley has gradually been reintegrated into Howe's first-team plans since recovering from injury.
Newcastle's No.8 helped the club win their first domestic trophy for 70 years prior to the international break, as he played every minute of the Magpies' 2-1 victory over Liverpool in the EFL Cup final at Wembley.
Tonali has also helped Newcastle challenge for a top-four finish in the Premier League this season, with Howe's side currently sitting sixth in the table and only two points behind the guaranteed Champions League positions with a game in hand.
Oliver Thomas
