Italian media have been obsessed with the idea of Sandro Tonali returning to Italy since he signed for Newcastle United.
Newcastle fans got a period of peace around the subject when the Italy international served his 10-month ban for breaching gambling rules, but as soon as he returned to action, so did the stories around him heading back to Italy.
AC Milan fans took the move badly and still to this day post messages on Tonali's social media asking him to return home, but it's actually the Italian media who are the worst for driving the narrative, insisting that the midfielder is unhappy and homesick.
Tonali's agent even came out to deny the rumours last month as the stories were getting so out of hand, but it hasn't stopped the stories.
Calciomercato are now trying to claim that Eddie Howe sees Sandro Tonali as 'important but not essential' to Newcastle United. Clearly, they've not been paying attention lately, as Tonali has been our best player for the last 10 games.
The report goes on to suggest that Juventus, who have been linked with Tonali in the past, will offer former Aston Villa star Douglas Luiz as part of the deal to bring Tonali home.
Douglas Luiz is said to be heading on his way out of Juventus this month with Manchester City at the front of the queue, but Juventus may offer up the Brazilian to sweeten the deal for Tonali.
The only part of this story we believe is that Juventus are willing to let go of Douglas Luiz. They may have an interest in Sandro Tonali, but it's likely similar to our interest in Jonathan David - not going to happen (this month at least).
Sandro Tonali is definitely settled at Newcastle now and he feels like he owes the club after sticking by him through his lengthy ban, and he is certainly starting to pay that debt back after some stunning displays lately.
He was the only player who came out of Saturday's defeat against Bournemouth with any real credibility as he continues to drive the midfield. He's going nowhere, he is essential.
PL | GD | PTS | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
1 |
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23 | 35 | 56 |
2 |
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24 | 27 | 50 |
3 |
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24 | 13 | 47 |
4 |
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24 | 16 | 43 |
5 |
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24 | 13 | 41 |
6 |
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24 | 13 | 41 |
7 |
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24 | 13 | 40 |
8 |
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24 | -3 | 37 |
9 |
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24 | 4 | 36 |
10 |
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24 | -3 | 34 |
11 |
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24 | 0 | 31 |
12 |
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24 | -2 | 30 |
13 |
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24 | -6 | 29 |
14 |
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24 | 11 | 27 |
15 |
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24 | -17 | 27 |
16 |
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23 | -5 | 26 |
17 |
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24 | -18 | 19 |
18 |
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24 | -28 | 17 |
19 |
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24 | -27 | 16 |
20 |
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24 | -36 | 9 |