Newcastle have lined up four potential stars to replace Sandro Tonali with the Italian waiting on an imminent ban from football.
Just months after signing from AC Milan for £55million in the summer, the player - and his club - have been rocked by him being named in a betting scandal. The 23-year-old was duly axed from his national squad as a result and has since admitted to authorities to placing money on matches during his time in Serie A.
As it stands Tonali will be available when Eddie Howe's side host Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League on Wednesday, irrespective of whether his punishment is announced prior to kick-off. However, it is likely to be his last on-field action in the 2023/24 campaign, with the midfielder reportedly braced for a ban of around 10-12 months.
His absence will be a hammer blow to Newcastle's prospects, both in terms of landing silverware and progressing far in the Champions League. And it's prompted the club to suddenly reshape their January plans, with Man City star Kalvin Phillips now being touted for a loan move.
Inews have reported that Phillips is open to a move having previously been tracked by the north-east club. And a short-term switch would seemingly make sense for all parties, with Newcastle one of the few who can match City's wage structure and the player himself needing game time in a season that culminates in Euro 2024.
But whether Pep Guardiola will sanction a move to a side now considered a rival at the top end of the table remains to be seen. And he's far from the only player being lined-up to fill the void left by Tonali.
Newcastle have also continued to track Scott McTominay, who has remained at Manchester United having initially seemed certain to leave in the summer. However, his valuation to United has undoubtedly risen in recent weeks, scoring in the wins over Brentford and Sheffield United before starting the Champions League clash with Copenhagen.
And according to the Athletic, head of recruitment Steve Nickson has also previously named Fulham ’s Joao Palhinha and Amadou Onana of Everton on his list of targets. Both remained at their clubs in the last transfer window despite being the subject of interest elsewhere.
More than 40 players are suspected of being involved in the betting scandal that has dominated the headlines in Italy. Tonali however, is expected to receive credit for his quick admission and willingness to co-operate with the investigation.