Eddie Howe reveals the player he ‘can’t wait’ to see in a Newcastle United shirt

Newcastle United new boy Sandro Tonali has already had an ‘elevating’ impact on the Magpies’ camp - and that’s after just two sessions.

Head coach Eddie Howe was unable to call upon the services of his £52million signing in the 3-2 friendly win over Gateshead, but the former AC Milan man did watch on from the stands at the Gateshead International Stadium.

Tonali only officially started training with United on Friday, and is also understood to have taken part in a second, pre-game session at the club’s Benton training base.

And Howe believes the player’s impact can already be felt around the camp.

“He (Tonali) trained yesterday, he did a fitness test and did well, today he trained properly and did well,” said Howe.

“I was really excited with the group we had this morning, it was very strong. We have a lot of good players to come back.

“Marquee is not necessarily the right word, for me it's good players and bringing in players who will elevate the group. Sandro is one of those players who can elevate everyone around him. He'll fit in really well to how we play.

“The early signs are very positive. He's a great lad as well so he's fit in really well so far. I can't wait to see him in a Newcastle shirt.”

Transfer frustrations for Howe

“Nothing close with any deal,” Howe told reporters. “I can share that we want to bring players into the football club but they have to be the right ones and they have to be at the right level.

“We’re working hard to do that, we’ve been working hard all summer. It’s difficult to get good players, as it is with any club, but we’ll keep going.