PIF relationship can ‘help success’ of Newcastle United bid for Sandro Tonali replacement

Newcastle United are ready to ‘accelerate’ their attempts to replace Sandro Tonali after the Italy international was handed a ten-month suspension for breaching betting regulations.

The former AC Milan star is still training with the Magpies but will be unable to feature in competitive action until next season after his ban was extended worldwide by FIFA. The news has reportedly forced United’s hand as they plan for the January transfer window and a loan move for a midfielder is believed to have been placed at the top of their list of priorities for the new year.

Speaking in his pre-match press conference ahead of Saturday’s home clash with Arsenal, United manager Eddie Howe responded to questions over his plans for the window, saying: “January is such a long way off. I can’t sit down and say what we will do. It will be closer to January when we formulate our plans.”

Despite the presence of Bruno Guimaraes, Sean Longstaff, Joelinton and Joe Willock within Howe’s squad and the backup options of young duo Elliot Anderson and Lewis Miley, the Magpies are said to be keen to add another midfielder to their ranks.

The likes of Manchester City and England star Kalvin Phillips and Manchester United’s Scott McTominay have both been mooted as potential targets - but Italian news outlet TuttoMercatoWeb have claimed United will look to use their Saudi-led owners to fill the hole left by Tonali’s absence.

The Saudi Public Investement Fund also own Pro League club Al-Hilal and that could reportedly ‘help the success of the operation’ that would see former Wolves midfielder Ruben Neves join the Magpies for the remainder of the 2023/24 season and that could pave the way for a permanent move to Tyneside. The report claims contacts have been underway ‘for some time’ and Neves is believed to be open to the move back to the Premier League.