Newcastle United’s four-man list to replace Sandro Tonali - including Man United & Everton stars

Newcastle United have a big problem on their hands. The Magpies learned last week that Sandro Tonali had been involved in gambling violations, putting their £60million summer investment at serious risk.

Tonali’s legal representatives have been in talks with authorities in Italy, and it has now been confirmed that a 10-month ban will be served by the player. Italian Football Federation president Gabriele Gravina said: “An agreement has been reached between the federal prosecutor and Sandro Tonali. The plea agreement is for 18 months, of which eight months is for rehabilitation, which involves therapeutic activity and making at least 16 public appearances.”

Newcastle’s summer signing will now be out until next August, leaving Eddie Howe in need of a replacement. The Athletic and The I believe there are four possible options for the Magpies heading into the January transfer window. Here we run you through those reported options.

Kalvin Phillips

Phillips is out of favour at Manchester City, and he has really never been in favour following his £50million move from Leeds United. Pep Guardiola has admitted he has ‘failed to get the best’ out of the midfielder, who has not been trusted to operate within the Spaniard’s system.

The former Leeds star has admitted he has a decision to make ahead of January, with Gareth Southgate warning that he needs his players playing regular football ahead of Euro 2024. There may well be a deal to be done, and a loan deal may be the most likely in January.

Scott McTominay

McTominay is also said to be on Newcastle’s list, but they may be a little late to the punch. That’s not because of interest elsewhere, but McTominay has scored three times in his last two league appearances, and Erik ten Hag has been speaking about his importance to the team. It doesn’t look as though the Red Devils will allow the Scot to leave this winter.

Amadou Onana

Onana is currently plying his trade with Everton, and he is a crucial part of Sean Dyche’s plans, which could make a deal difficult to pull off, especially when you factor in that the Toffees are subject to a takeover approach. The Toffees are unlikely to want to sell Onana in January, and Newcastle may not have the financial space - due to FFP - to force their hand.

Joao Palhinha

Palhinha’s situation is a little different. He was minutes away from signing for Bayern Munich on deadline day in the summer window, even posing for pictures in Bavaria, but his transfer was blocked at the last moment. Bayern are said to be interested in a deal ahead of the winter, and Fulham may be forced to grant the player’s wish to go on to bigger and better things. The question will be whether Newcastle can force their way into the situation.