AC Milan announced on Monday that they have sold Italy midfielder Sandro Tonali to Newcastle United, Azernews reports, citing ANSA.

In a statement, Milan thanked Tonali for "three splendid years together" and said it "wishes him the very best in his professional and personal future".

The Premier League team are reportedly paying a transfer fee of around 80 million euros.

The 23-year-old, an energetic and creative deep-lying playmaker, has signed a five-year contract.

He said via social media that he had a "mix of emotions in my heart" and hoped the move would be an "arrivederci" rather than a goodbye.

"This club is, and will remain, my home," he said.

In view of Tonali's departure, Milan announced last week that they have signed English midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek from Chelsea .

The 27-year-old has signed a four-year deal and Milan are reported paying Chelsea around 21 million euros for his services.