Spurs remain very confident Tonali is open to the move if an agreement can be reached with Newcastle. Their opening approach, worth £75 million, fell well short of the Magpies' valuation.
Newcastle have made it clear they are under no pressure to sell and insist it would take £ 100 million to begin serious negotiations, leaving Tottenham weighing up a club-record deal that would eclipse the £ 65 million they paid for Dominic Solanke.
Despite that stance, Tottenham are expected to return with a fresh proposal. Sources indicate the club have been discussing a new payment structure designed to move closer to Newcastle's demands, even if the overall package still does not reach the £100 million mark.
There has been growing belief that Tonali is intent on seeking a new challenge. Intermediaries have indicated to Newcastle that the Italy international has ambitions to move elsewhere.
Newcastle had hoped any potential sale would be to a club abroad, but interest from AC Milan has failed to develop.
That has opened the door for Premier League rivals, with Manchester City monitoring the situation as they continue their search for midfield reinforcements despite the imminent arrival of Elliot Anderson.
City have also explored a move for Bruno Guimaraes, who is attracting interest from Arsenal, but sources believe Tonali may represent the more attainable option from Newcastle.
Tottenham are keen to make progress before Guimaraes returns from World Cup duty with Brazil - with sources suggesting City could intensify their interest once the midfielder market begins to move.
We understand Spurs have been working internally on a revised offer in the hope of reaching an agreement before fresh competition emerges.