NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - MAY 16: Fans of Newcastle United display a tifo in the stands prior to the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Arsenal at St. James Park on May 16, 2022 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
Newcastle United has received official confirmation that they will need to replace Sandro Tonali.
The Italian Football Federation has examined the 23-year-old for betting, and it was rumored that he might face a 10-month penalty. That has proven to be the case, however Tonali will be able to train with Newcastle while suspended.
That is a plus, but losing the midfielder for such an extended period of time is still a significant setback. Tonali will not appear in a competitive game for Newcastle until August 2024.
Eddie Howe’s midfield is now without a player for the foreseeable future, which means the Toon owners may have to bring in a replacement.
Fortunately, the January transfer market begins in less than two months, and one of the Magpies’ targets is said to be interested in a move to St James’ Park.
Newcastle is interested in Manchester City’s Kalvin Phillips.
Newcastle have been linked with a move for Kalvin Phillips in recent weeks.
The 27-year-old has fallen out of favor at Manchester City and is set to leave the Etihad Stadium after struggling for minutes under Pep Guardiola.
When the rumour originally broke, it didn’t appear that a transfer for Phillips would be beneficial to Newcastle. However, things have altered after Tonali’s ban was confirmed.
The £42 million Premier League winner would be an adequate successor, and the club should aim to sign him in early 2024.
Phillips is interested in relocating to Newcastle.
According to the Telegraph, Phillips would like to join Eddie Howe’s team in January.
They claim that if he leaves Manchester City at the start of next season, the England international would wish to join Newcastle.
A loan deal would likely be appealing to the Magpies, but it is uncertain whether Manchester City would be prepared to work with Newcastle. Wages could be a concern as well.
The fact that Phillips is interested in moving to St James’ Park is promising, and it gives hope that a deal will be made in January.
