Sandro Tonali will have his £11 million salary suspended as he is banned for 10 months for breaking betting rules in Italy, it is claimed.
The Newcastle midfielder's lawyer has accepted his punishment for secretly betting on football matches when he played for Milan and Brescia. Tonali will be able to train with Newcastle during the suspension period, which ends in August shortly after the 2024 Premier League season begins.
The Turin prosecutor's office is expected to announce the sanctions agreed upon on Tonali on Thursday, following a week-long plea bargain in which Tonali admitted to the crimes and had Gambling problem.
Tonali faced a FOUR YEAR suspension, which was reduced due to his testimony and his agreement to undergo therapy and attend meetings with local associations and youth teams in Italy. The ban was halved thanks to Tonali's cooperation, reduced to 18 months because he gave evidence, and the ban was set at 10 months plus an eight-month "alternative" sentence.
Tonali played his final game of the season on Wednesday night coming off the bench for Newcastle as they lost 1-0 to Dortmund. Eddie Howe has pledged his full support and said the player will stay at Newcastle for a long time.
Newcastle paid Milan £55m for Tonali in July, and the club are yet to say whether they will sue or still pay the transfer deadline after buying a player with a questionable history. Reports in Italy say "his salary will be suspended", which could give Newcastle the financial space to bring in a replacement in January.
Sandro Tonali will have his £11 million salary suspended as he is banned for 10 months for breaking betting rules in Italy
Manchester City's English midfielder Kalvin Phillips has been contacted. Tonali received a standing ovation from Newcastle fans this weekend when he came off the bench against Crystal Palace. But his absence leaves a big void in an already overloaded squad.
The club's other big signing of the summer, Harvey Barnes, is out injured until January, meaning £90m of new investment will no longer be available. Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall have also been signed for a possible £50m, but remain reserve full-backs.
Howe also eliminated Alexander Isak, Jacob Murphy and Elliott Anderson. But Joe Willock is well again.