Luke Edwards reiterates Newcastle United stance on Sandro Tonali amid persistent links with move back to Italy

Sandro Tonali is a strong contender for Newcastle United's Player of the Season, along with Dan Burn and Lewis Hall.

The Italian made his return from his 10-month suspension three games into the new season, and while it took a bit of tinkering from Eddie Howe to get the midfield formula right, since he has done, Sandro Tonali has been incredible.

Tonali has spoken of his intention to repay Newcastle United for the faith and support they showed to him while he went through his ban and everything that went along with it.

However, the former AC Milan star has been constantly linked with a return home pretty much ever since the deal to take him to Newcastle was agreed.

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Sandro Tonali is settled on Tyneside and loves playing for Eddie Howe

It seems that no matter what is said, or by whom, the Italian media always find a way to link him with a return home. Newcastle United, Sandro Tonali's agent and the player himself have all made it very clear he's not going anywhere, but it doesn't seem to stop the madness.

Now, The Telegraph's Luke Edwards has made a move to once again reiterate that Sandro Tonali does not want to leave Newcastle.

"Tonali has made it clear that he would like to stay at the club long term and has shrugged off reports in Italy that he is a target for Juventus and other Serie A clubs. Manchester City have also been credited with an interest in the midfielder and he is likely to have been watched by scouts across Europe given his excellent form for Newcastle.

"There have been persistent rumours emanating from his homeland that the player would like to return to Italy but sources have told Telegraph Sport he is happy and settled on Tyneside and loves playing for Howe."

Why would Sandro Tonali want to leave Newcastle now?

Sandro Tonali is a very cool customer and he doesn't really show his emotions very often, so it's easy to project a story that he's unhappy when you rarely see him smiling.

However, if you look at photos of him from his days at AC Milan, it was the same there, too. It's nothing to do with his happiness, it's just the way he is.

We believe him when he says he's settled. Why wouldn't he be? He's part of the Premier League's best midfield, he's already helped the team lift silverware, and the club is only moving forward.