Sean Longstaff to be the big Newcastle beneficiary after Sandro Tonali latest - Sources
Newcastle United star Sean Longstaff is set to become a big beneficiary of Sandro Tonali's absence, sources have told Football Insider.
Tonali, 23, is currently serving a 10-month ban for violating gambling rules and was just charged (28 March) by the FA for 50 more alleged offences for bets made between 12 August and 12 October 2023.
Now, well-placed sources have told Football Insider that Longstaff, 26, is set to keep his role in the heart of the Magpies' midfield after becoming a key man during the Italian's absence.
His home-grown status means that any sale would represent pure profit on the Magpies' books, but it is believed that manager Eddie Howe and the club are reluctant to let him leave.
Sean Longstaff set to keep key role at Newcastle United
Howe recently revealed that the academy graduate, whose contract expires in 2025, has been playing through the pain barrier for the club as he is still feeling the effects of a foot injury he picked up against Everton last season.
Tonali, who signed from AC Milan for a reported £55million last summer, will be allowed to take to the field again in August and made just 12 appearances for the club before his ban.
Longstaff has been a mainstay for Howe this season having started 30 games in all competitions.
Newcastle sit 10th in the Premier League table and were most recently eliminated in the FA Cup quarter-final by Man City before the international break (16 March).
They are next in action against Everton at St James' Park on Saturday afternoon (30 March).
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