Newcastle confirm Sandro Tonali is being investigated over illegal betting activity

Newcastle United have confirmed Sandro Tonali is being investigated in relation to illegal betting activity.

The Premier League club released a statement on Wednesday and said it will offer no further comment beyond this at this time.

It read: «Newcastle United can confirm that Sandro Tonali is subject to investigation by the Italian Prosecutor’s Office and Italian Football Federation (FIGC) in relation to illegal betting activity.

»Sandro is fully engaging with the investigation and will continue to cooperate with all relevant authorities. He and his family will continue to receive the club's full support.

«Due to this ongoing process, Sandro and Newcastle United are unable to offer further comment at this time.»

talkSPORT understands Newcastle fear the midfielder will be given a lengthy suspension as a result of his alleged role in an Italian betting scandal.

According to sources in Italy, Tonali admitted to placing bets on AC Milan to win while playing for them.

Fellow Italy star Nicolo Fagiolo has been given a worldwide ban for seven month for breaching betting rules.

His agent, Giuseppe Riso, suggested Tonali is fighting a gambling addiction on Tuesday.

«He is playing his most important game — against betting addiction,» he said at an event at the Italian embassy. «He’s in shock, he’s very sad. He has to face this situation.

»He is training at the moment [at Newcastle]. He told me he trained very well. He can play Saturday.”

The 23-year-old signed for Newcastle from AC Milan this summer after making 130 appearances for the Serie A side.

He's been a fan favourite at St James' Park since his £60m move.

The Italian scored on his Premier League debut and has gone on to make 10 appearances in all competitions, including starts in