England international set for Newcastle switch if Tonali is banned

Football revolves around seizing opportunities, and one England international could find himself considering a move to Newcastle if Sandro Tonali faces a substantial ban due to allegations of betting on illicit websites, should these accusations be substantiated.

Currently, Tonali is eligible for selection in the Crystal Palace match, although he is reportedly in Italy, engaging with authorities investigating the case. This situation raises doubts about his readiness for such a critical fixture. It’s imperative that a decision regarding any potential ban is reached promptly to enable all parties to make swift progress.

In the event that Tonali is disqualified, this could create an opening for Manchester City’s underutilized midfielder, Kalvin Phillips, as reported by The Telegraph (subscription required). This opportunity aligns well with the aspirations of the England international, who needs regular playing time to secure a place in Gareth Southgate’s Euro 2024 squad.

It’s worth considering that Tonali may not face charges, and he might only need assistance with his gambling addiction. However, this could still leave the door ajar for Phillips. The Telegraph also highlights that Juventus is in search of a replacement for the suspended Paul Pogba, who is expected to be sidelined for an extended period due to an anti-doping violation.

Both scenarios could be appealing to Phillips, especially if he struggles to break into Manchester City’s starting lineup before the January transfer window opens.