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- Sandro Tonali’s 10-month suspension was enforced worldwide by FIFA on Friday
- Newcastle are seeking midfield cover following the Italian international’s ban
- Al-Hilal’s Ruben Neves is reportedly among the midfielders under consideration
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Newcastle are reportedly considering a loan move for Ruben Neves to bolster their midfield options following confirmation of Sandro Tonali’s 10-month ban from football.
Italian authorities announced Tonali’s ban for illegal betting on Thursday, with FIFA extending the sanction worldwide on Friday.
Newcastle boss Eddie Howe had hoped the £52m summer signing would be available to face Wolves on Saturday, but the Italian will now be ruled out of action until the early weeks of next season.
The Magpies could turn to a former Wolves player to help them fill the void left by Tonali’s sanction.
Reports have claimed Newcastle are weighing up a move for Portugal international Neves during the January transfer window.
Newcastle are reportedly considering a loan move for Al-Hilal midfielder Ruben Neves
The Magpies are seeking midfield cover after Sandro Tonali was banned for 10 months
Eddie Howe has previously not ruled out loaning players from Saudi PIF owned teams
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Neves signed for Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal for £47m in the summer, with the 26-year-old leaving Wolves after 253 appearances over six seasons at Molineux.
Al-Hilal are one of four Saudi Pro League teams owned by the country’s Public Investment Fund, who also hold a majority stake in Newcastle.
Newcastle boss Eddie Howe admitted in July that he would not rule out loaning players from PIF owned clubs in Saudi Arabia.
‘That depends on if it is the right thing for Newcastle. We’ll always act with our best interests first,’ Howe said.
Neves has made 14 appearances for Al-Hilal since joining the club, with the midfielder scoring once.
A loan move for Neves would reportedly come with Newcastle unlikely to sign out-of-favour Man City midfielder Kalvin Phillips permanently due to financial fair play issues.
Newcastle travel to Wolves on Saturday in their first match without Tonali, with the Magpies then facing Manchester United in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday.
A statement from the Italian FA on Thursday confirmed the Federal Prosecutor’s Office had reached an agreement over an 18-month sanction with Tonali.
Neves had impressed during six seasons at Wolves before joining Al-Hilal in the summer
The sanction will consist of a 10-month ban from football, while eight months will be form of a ‘therapeutic plan’ to help his ‘recovery from gambling addiction.’
This will include at least 16 public appearances in Italy at amateur sports associations and ‘federal territorial centres.’
Tonali was also fined £17,380 for breaching FIGC rules that prohibited players from placing bets on football events organised by FIGC, UEFA and FIFA.
Unlike Brentford’s Ivan Toney, Tonali is expected to be allowed to take part in training and behind closed doors games at Newcastle, but will be ruled out of contention for the Euros, should Italy qualify.
Meanwhile, reports have claimed Newcastle are exploring avenues to reduce Sandro Tonali’s wages at the club during the ban.
