Newcastle United ‘willing’ to make £16m offer for Real Madrid star amid Sandro Tonali uncertainty

Newcastle United are reportedly considering a January move for Real Madrid midfielder Dani Ceballos as they await the outcome of an investigation into Sandro Tonali’s alleged betting offences.

The Italy international could be facing a lengthy suspension if he is found guilty and in breach of article 26 of FIFA’s code that prohibits players from betting on games in which their club features. The most severe form of punishment could be a ban of up to three years - although another player under investigation - Juventus star Nicolo Fagioli - has been given a 12-month suspension and was also fined around £11,750.

Tonali received the overwhelming backing of Newcastle fans during Saturday’s 4-0 home win against Crystal Palace and Magpies manager Eddie Howe thanks the St James Park faithful for the support they showed towards his highest-profile summer signing.

Speaking after the game, he said: "I think the hardest part is ahead regardless of what happens.

"Immediately, you get a lot of attention and people are talking about the situation. He's had the love of the supporters today, but that's difficult to maintain over a long period of time. Who knows what's ahead? I just think it's great for him to know he's got the support, not just of the senior management at the football club and the manager, but also the support of the supporters and they're the most important people."

Howe was non-committal when asked if he would move into the transfer market to replace Tonali if he is punished over the coming days and weeks - but one Spanish outlet has suggested the Magpies have already identified one possible target and are ‘willing’ to make an offer in the new year.

Former Arsenal loan star Ceballos has struggled to secure regular game-time with Real Madrid so far this season after making just four substitute appearances in all competitions during the opening two months of the campaign. That will be a major source of disappointment for the talented midfielder after he was persuaded to extend his time with the La Liga giants when he penned a new deal during the summer.

News outlet Fichajes has now claimed Newcastle have ‘emerged’ as a possible destination for Ceballos during the January transfer window after the Magpies placed him under consideration in the wake of the situation surrounding Tonali.