SANDRO TONALI’S agent has rubbished reports that he is unhappy at Newcastle and wants a return to Italy next month.
The midfielder, 24, returned from the ten-month betting ban in September that scuppered his first season following his £55m move from AC Milan.
With that now over, and despite some impressive displays of late for club and country, Tonali has still struggled to nail down a place in Eddie Howe’s starting XI.
That led to speculation in Tonali’s homeland that Newcastle could look to offload him to help with PSR issues while there were also claims he was not happy in the North East and wanted a loan switch back to the San Siro.
However, his agent Guiseppe Riso says: “Sandro is absolutely not considering to return in Serie A.
“He’s happy at Newcastle, happy to play in the best league in the world and he’s an idol for Newcastle fans who’ve always supported Sandro in every moment.”
Meanwhile, an “emotional” Callum Wilson vowed to do “everything in my power to rediscover the best version of myself” after his latest injury nightmare.
Though his fresh setback has not changed Newcastle’s transfer stance in the January transfer window.
The 32-year-old England international striker recently returned from a five-month lay-off with a back and hamstring problem and had been building up his fitness with four sub outings.
But any hopes Eddie Howe had of Wilson being able to lighten the load on Swedish forward Alexander Isak have now gone up in smoke.
BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS
The ex-Bournemouth star, who becomes a free agent in June, is out for at least two months with a hamstring strain on his other leg.
Wilson posted an emotional message to supporters on Thursday, saying: “Despite all the hard work I’ve put in pushing to get back to full fitness, I need to take a little step backwards unfortunately guys.
“Frustrating as it is for everyone out there waiting for my return and to be able to help the team, these shortcomings also upset and frustrate me more than anybody else.
“I will, and I am doing everything in my power to rediscover the best version of myself and finally get off this emotional rollercoaster, which I’m hoping 2025 will bring.
“Appreciate the patience, love and support from all those closest that know how hard I really work and how professional I always am. Callum.”
NEWCASTLE cult hero Joelinton rescued his old boss after he fainted in Subway.
And coach Pellegrino Matarazzo still calls the Brazilian his ‘angel’.
Matarazzo was Joelinton assistant manager during the midfielder’s spell in Germany with Hoffenheim.
Recalling the scary incident, the Matarazzo revealed: “I was standing in the queue and I wasn’t feeling well.
“I tried to go over to the Coca-Cola machine to quickly get a drink.
“I realised I was about to faint, and I did faint.
“When I opened my eyes I saw Joelinton! ‘Rino, Rino, are you okay?’
“He was like a small, no a big, angel – Joelinton, what are you doing here?”
That leaves Howe low on options in attack, with winger Anthony Gordon now being the main back-up in front of William Osula, 21, as backup to Isak.
However, Sun Sport understands that will not lead to a move to bring in more reinforcements up front once the window opens – unless there are further injuries.
Instead, the Magpies will continue to prioritise a new right-winger and also focus on strengthening their centre-half options.
