Real Madrid scouts on 'double mission' to watch Sandro Tonali

Real Madrid sent scouts to St James' Park ostensibly to study Manchester City, but the delegation was on a "double mission" and also monitored Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali as he featured in a 3-1 defeat. The 25-year-old is expected to attract heavy interest this summer, with valuations said to stretch to £100 million.

Arsenal and Manchester United have been linked with moves, while representatives were spotted at recent matches as more clubs circle. Newcastle insist they are not a selling club and have rejected the idea that a price has been set, determined to avoid a repeat of the Alexander Isak exit.

Tonali addressed his future: "This is a tough question because, you know [in] football you need to think year for year. The last summer was tough for us, for Alex [Isak], but this is football. If you have an option for your life, for another team you need to think about everything.

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