By Joe Roberts

1st Nov, 2023 | 1:27pm

'Game-changer', 'He's the standout' - Newcastle fans react to source's news on replacing Sandro Tonali

Newcastle fans are split over who should replace the banned Sandro Tonali this January.

Football Insider revealed on 28 October that the Magpies are expected to agree on a January loan in their efforts to cover the absence of Tonali, who has been banned for 10 months for breaching betting rules in Italy.

Tonali, 23, has been vital in Newcastle’s success this season with 12 appearances in all competitions and marked his debut with a goal against Aston Villa.

Newcastle have continued their excellent form from last season and sit sixth in the Premier League table, but the unexpected absence of the Italian has led many fans to speculate on potential replacements.

One fan was a huge admirer of Everton midfielder Amadou Onana, whose physicality and dependability are good enough to meet Eddie Howe’s demands.

Others were very keen on Ruben Neves, who moved to Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal from Wolves this summer, with one fan claiming he could be a “game-changer” for Newcastle.

One fan joked that he’d love to see his club replace Tonali with Real Madrid ace Jude Bellingham, but admitted it was unlikely.

Fans seemed less interested in securing Kalvin Phillips. As revealed by Football Insider (29 October), Manchester City would be open to loaning Phillips to the Magpies, but one fan feels he’d be “too old”.

One fan eyed up Fulham’s Joao Palhinha.

One supporter was a fan of Monaco’s Youssouf Fofana, suggesting that Newcastle may not seek a direct replacement for Tonali.

In other news, according to Kieran Maguire, Newcastle United are pushing their FFP limits as a new £3million deal is agreed.