Newcastle United have reportedly identified their top target to replace Sandro Tonali after he was handed his official punishment.
The midfielder, who joined the Magpies in a £52 million switch in the summer, has been hit with a lengthy suspension after illegally betting on football.
Tonali had been under investigation by the Italian football federation and Fabrizio Romano has reported that he will be out of action 10 months,with the player's legal team successful in negotiating a plea bargain.
He will therefore miss the remainder of the Premier League season and Euro 2024 in Germany in the event that Italy qualify.
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Eddie Howe has said that Newcastle would "throw our arms around'" and "protect" Tonali but the club will have their eyes on a replacement.
The Athletic say Newcastle could turn their attentions to Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay if Tonali is sidelined for an extended period.
The North East outfit have scouted him on a regular basis and admire the fact he can play as a No.6 and No.8 in midfield.
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He also courted interest from West Ham in the summer but stayed put and has now scored twice in his last three Premier League games.
Erik ten Hag described him as "a player you can always count on" and so any move would likely not come on the cheap.
Manchester City's out of favour midfielder Kalvin Phillips is also mentioned as an option, while Fulham's Joao Palhinha and Everton's Amadou Onana have previously been on head of recruitment Steve Nickson’s dossier.
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Tonali will not be able to play football again until August and must undergo eight months of participation in a gambling rehab plan.
There are claims that he will still be able to train and maintain his fitness while banned.
The 23-year-old has played 12 times since signing in the summer.
Featured Image Credit: GettyTopics: Sandro Tonali, Newcastle United, Italy