Transfer journalist Gianluca Di Marzio confirmed Newcastle United's interest, with Brentford also monitoring the 20-year-old Serbian. The problem for both clubs is that Stanković is not theirs to bid for.
Inter retained a €22 million buyback option when they sold him to Brugge last summer, valid this window, rising to €25 million in 2027. The Italian champions are expected to exercise it in June — a decision that would then force Newcastle to negotiate with Inter rather than Brugge, at a higher price and in competition with clubs from across Europe.
Sky Sport Italia reported on Saturday that Stanković is "only focused" on returning to Inter and is "not considering any alternatives this summer." His father, former Inter midfielder Dejan Stanković, recently described him as "phenomenal."
Stanković joined Brugge from Inter in July 2025 having previously spent a loan season at Luzern. He has made 54 appearances this season, scoring nine goals and providing five assists, and has earned his first senior caps for Serbia. His ability to play at six or eight makes him tactically flexible — a profile that suits the hole Tonali would leave.
Tonali's situation remains unresolved heading into the summer. Reports from talkSPORT suggest the Italian has wanted to leave Newcastle since January, while his agent has publicly played down exit talk. Tonali is contracted until 2028 and Newcastle value him at around £86 million. Manchester United, Arsenal and Manchester City have all been linked.
If Tonali goes, Newcastle need to replace him quickly. Stanković is the name at the top of their list. Whether Inter will allow him to leave is a different question entirely.