By Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent

28th Oct, 2023 | 8:00am

Sources: Newcastle United now expected to agree January loan signing

Newcastle United are expected to replace banned midfielder Sandro Tonali with a loan signing in January, sources have told Football Insider.

Tonali, 23, has been banned from football for 10 months after breaching betting rules during his time in Italy.

However, Newcastle boss Eddie Howe has suggested the midfielder could face Wolves on Saturday (28 October) as his suspension is yet to be ratified.

The Magpies are turning their attention to replacing the ex-Milan ace in January as he prepares to miss the rest of the 2023-24 campaign and Euro 2024.

But Football Insider revealed on Friday (27 October) that Newcastle are unlikely to spend big on a replacement due to Financial Fair Play restrictions.

The likes of Fulham star Joao Palhinha, Everton’s Amadou Onana and Man United ace Scott McTominay have all been widely linked with St James’ Park switches in recent days.

But it is believed the transfer budget on Tyneside will simply not allow deals of that magnitude, with Howe instead expected to turn to a loan arrival.

Tonali, who cost a reported £55million in the summer window, has played 12 times for his new club – scoring once.

He has come off the bench in Newcastle’s last two games amid the investigation into his illegal betting activity.

Howe also has the likes of Bruno Guimaraes, Joelinton, Joe Willock, Sean Longstaff and Elliot Anderson to call on in central midfield.

Newcastle, who sit sixth in the Premier League, are next in action against Wolves on Saturday (28 October).

They lost 1-0 in their last game – a Champions League group-stage clash against Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday (25 October).

In other news, two potential Newcastle United deals collapse.