Sandro Tonali betting ban: Who will Newcastle sign to replace midfielder in January transfer window?

Newcastle United played their first game since Sandro Tonali’s 10-month ban for gambling offences came into effect this week. For the purposes of this article, it would be handy to say that they really struggled without the Italy international.

In reality, a heavily-rotated Magpies lineup gorged on a bedraggled Manchester United to chalk up a 3-0 Carabao Cup win at Old Trafford, gaining a measure of revenge for defeat to the same opponents in last season’s final.

Still, with a competitive race for the top-four spots in the Premier League already underway and a European campaign that they hope will continue into the new year, manager Eddie Howe will need some midfield reinforcement.

Here, The Sporting News looks through five possible options for Newcastle to bring in as a Tonali replacement.

 Sandro Tonali and Nicolo Zaniolo betting investigation: Newcastle United star banned for 10 months

Links between Phillips and Newcastle ramped up as details of Tonali’s transgressions emerged. This was in part because it coincided with another sapping blow for the England midfielder during a personally disappointing Manchester City career.

When Rodri served a three-match suspension prior to the October international break, Pep Guardiola used Phillips as one of several midfield options as opposed to giving the 27-year-old a sustained chance as the Spain star’s understudy.

Since moving to City from Leeds United on a six-year contract for an initial £42 million in July 2022, Phillips has made 27 appearances, with only five of those starts, across all competitions. His two Premier League starts came after City had secured the title last season.

Continued selection and impressive performances for England show a fine player remains, but Gareth