Real Madrid scouted Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali during FA Cup game vs Man City | OneFootball

Real Madrid scouts were at St James’ Park last night to run the rule over a Newcastle United star, according to the Sun.

The Magpies lost 3-1 to Manchester City in the fifth round of the FA Cup as the visitors proved themselves against Eddie Howe’s men.

However, the La Liga club would not have cared about the result as they came to run the rule over Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali.

The Italian has been one of the best players in his position in the Premier League, and Madrid are preparing to join the race for his services ahead of the summer transfer window.

Tonali is also a wanted man in the Premier League, with the likes of Man City, Manchester United and Arsenal all believed to be monitoring his situation.

He currently earns around £150,000 per week at Newcastle and is not out of contract until 2030.

Madrid and other bigwigs will be more than willing to double his wages, but the 25-year-old could look to move on for more than just the money.

Tonali will be desperate to play and win the Champions League and league titles regularly, and the Toons may not be able to offer him that right now.

They are 12th in the league table after 29 games, nine points off the top-five and might need to win all their remaining nine games to earn a Champions League spot for next season.

Newcastle face Barcelona in the round of 16 of the elite European competition later this month and will need to be perfect across both legs to advance.

Madrid and other suitors will continue to watch Tonali in the big games and holding on to him beyond the summer could be tricky for Newcastle.

They will hope to secure European football for next season to boost their chances, and the Italian and his teammates have to step up to make that happen.