AC Milan team manager has left role to work for Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali

AC Milan are set to lose a crucial employee to their former player Sandro Tonali.

Tonali has joined Newcastle United for an initial club-record fee of £52 million as the club's marquee signing going into their first season back in the Champions League after a fourth-placed finish last term.

The 23-year-old has penned a five-year contract and takes the No.8 shirt at Newcastle, who were genuinely surprised that they were able to secure his services.

However, Tonali has still made a shrewd decision in a bid to settle in to his new surroundings.

The 52-year-old was a former referee and previously held the position at rivals Inter.

He will essentially join Tonali's staff in the North East and look after him, though the report claims the plan is to "integrate" him into the backroom staff at Newcastle in the future.

Howe has already acknowledged that it will take time for Tonali to fully bed in.

“I think it takes time with every new player,” Howe said.

“There is an adaptation period, especially for players who come from different leagues. Sandro will have experienced a higher intensity and quality of opposition during the last two games. He’s getting used to our style and his teammates.”