Newcastle are reportedly turning to the Saudi Pro League for their Sandro Tonali replacement.
Tonali was banned for 10 months after illegal betting on football games following an investigation by the Italian football authorities.
The 23-year-old, who is battling a gambling addiction, co-operated fully and his lawyers were able to reduce the punishment from the maximum three year ban.
Advert
Tonali will now be absent for club and country until August when the next Premier League season gets underway.
He will still be able to train and feature in behind-closed-doors friendly fixtures to maintain fitness levels.
Newcastle are in desperate need of a replacement for the £52 million signing and a slew of players have been touted.
Links to Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay still persist but The Sun claim the Magpies are considering a move for former Wolves captain Ruben Neves.
The Portugal international only left the Premier League in the summer, signing for Saudi side Al Hilal in a £47 million switch.
Neves has played 19 times but could leave on loan and fill the void left by Tonali, who joined from AC Milan for £52 million.
Al Hilal are one of four clubs backed by the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund, who also own Newcastle, which could make a deal much easier to thrash out.
Kalvin Phillips, out of favour and struggling for minutes at Manchester City, is also an option heading into the January transfer window.
Tonali will miss the remainder of the season and be sidelined from Euro 2024 if Italy qualify.
He is set to be docked wages as part of his punishment and fined £17,000, while he must also undergo a gambling rehabilitation plan for eight months and make as many as 16 public appearances at amateur clubs and charities back in his native Italy.
Topics: Newcastle United, Saudi Arabia, Saudi Pro League, Ruben Neves, Sandro Tonali
Josh Lawless