‘Sandro Tonali will leave’ - Bombshell claims emerge that must anger Newcastle United

The glue in Newcastle’s midfield, Eddie Howe switched Tonali to a deep-lying role and that call changed the course of the campaign. Alongside Bruno Guimaraes, who has been given licence to get forward, and Joelinton, the Magpies boast a formidable Premier League midfield.

Toon chiefs were forced to be patient before seeing a return on their £55million investment. Just 12 games into his Newcastle career, Tonali was slapped with a 10-month ban for breaching betting regulations as an AC Milan player.

This derailed United’s season, with a heavy burden placed on youngster Lewis Miley. Tonali hardly made an eye-catching return in August as he struggled to break into Howe’s side.

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However, that changed once Howe deployed the 24-year-old in front of the back four. Fans are now witnessing why Tonali became one of Europe’s most sought-after midfielders following Milan’s title win three years ago.

Italian media appears determined to see Tonali back in Serie A, with Howe forced to play down reports earlier this season. Reputable journalist Gianluca Di Marzio has claimed the Newcastle favourite could leave for Real Madrid this summer.

This revelation contradicts what Tonali said following the 3-1 win over Southampton at the weekend. He said: "We are a lovely team. I work for my team-mates and my team-mates work for me. This is fantastic because it's difficult to find this in one team. 

“But we work together, we live together and we stay every day together in the training ground. We know last season was difficult for every player but now, after a great reaction, every player loves playing for Newcastle and playing for these amazing fans and this amazing team."