Newcastle United are reportedly interested in signing Christian Eriksen from Premier League rivals Manchester United.
Tonali joined Newcastle from Serie A heavyweights AC Milan for about £55 million during the summer transfer window. The Magpies are sixth in the 2023 Premier League net spend rankings.
Tonali’s Newcastle career has yet to begin, but he has been suspended till the end of the season after agreeing to a plea deal as part of an inquiry into his unlawful sports betting.
Tonali had been expected to be available for this weekend’s encounter against Wolves, but he has already been ruled out.
“Certainly with Sandro’s situation, if he is ultimately banned for that length of time, he’s going to have really difficult moments within that timeframe, a lot of attention on him initially, and that’s a difficult situation for him,” Howe told reporters on Friday.
“But then there’ll be a period where it’s just training – wherever he trains – and no game, and that’s very difficult for any player to adjust to, especially when they’re fit and able to play, so that’ll be difficult.”
“The communication between us, me and my coaching staff and him, is going to be hugely important.”
Newcastle will need to replace Tonali during the summer transfer window, and Manchester City outcast Kalvin Phillips has been mooted as a possible replacement.
According to the Spanish source Fichajes, Newcastle has ‘four candidates to replace Tonali’. A ‘possible loan transfer in January’ for Phillips is being discussed, although Manchester United’s Eriksen is seen as a ‘good substitute’ for the Italy international.
Eriksen was a regular for Manchester United after joining from Brentford last season, but he has only made three Premier League starts this season.
Other players referenced in the Fichajes article include Brentford midfielder Mathias Jensen and Empoli midfielder Razvan Marin.
Eriksen would “work well in a Man City or a Brighton team,” according to Paul Parker, a former Manchester United player.
“He needs hardworking teammates around him so he can do what he does best.” Parker told SpilXperten, “He’s not going to get that at Manchester United.”
“He is a player who would fit in well in a Manchester City or a Brighton team.” He may not be at the level to play for Manchester City anymore, but he would be an important player for Brighton.
“Brighton are playing to his strengths, and I believe he’d be a good fit for them.” I don’t want to lose him, but with the way Manchester United is playing, I don’t see him playing a vital role.”
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