The Italian star's comments have not sounded alarm bells despite his candid remarks on Wednesday night
Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe with Sandro Tonali
Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe with Sandro Tonali(Image: 2025 James Gill - Danehouse)
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Newcastle United are facing a big decision on Kieran Trippier in January with Monaco still interested in signing the former England star.
Trippier has been a mainstay in Eddie Howe's team this season and has made 14 appearances this term. But his contract is up at the end of the season and January is the last opportunity to cash in on the full-back.
By that time, Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall will hope to be fit and flying with Howe knowing there is a chance that the 35-year-old will be deemed as a back-up man again.
Trippier knows he is heading into his golden years and will want security for the final stages of his career - something that is not yet on the table on Tyneside.
Monaco approached Trippier's represenatives in the summer but he opted to stay put at Newcastle. The Ligue 1 side aren't the only side keen with teams in the Saudi Pro League also monitoring his situation.
Howe's preference is to extend Trippier's stay at St James' Park but the decision will ultimately lie in the hands of sporting director Ross Wilson. With Trippier picking up £120,000 per week the big call from Toon chiefs is whether to splash out that much in wages for a player who could be spending extra time on the bench.
He told Chronicle Live last month: "Kieran is a very, very experienced player and very important for us." "His contract length is something that an incoming sporting director will be on top of."
With Wilson now in place, Trippier is due to get clarity on his future as Fabian Schar also stands by for a decision on an extension. Schar has already made it clear he wishes to stay on at St James' Park.
Sandro Tonali comments don't cause panic in boardroom
Sandro Tonali warned reporters that he could not guarantee he will be on Tyneside for the long-term when quizzed on Wednesday night.
The Italy international was unsure on what happens beyond the duration date of his existing arrangement and even threw in the name of Alexander Isak unprompted. Tonali is currently tied down until 2029 with a year option.
That's why despite Tonali's comments, Newcastle don't feel threatened by any imminent loss of their star and aren't scared that another Isak situtation may unfold.
Howe said yesterday: "None of us can make any massive statements about the future because life is so unpredictable and football is at the sharp end of that.
"Sandro has been honest. He is happy, which is the key thing; he is enjoying his football. When I see him every day I see a player that feels fulfilled, happy with the team he is in, his team-mates and his environment."
It has also emerged that there is no minimum fee release clause or big club release clause in Tonali's deal.
Newcastle's money men delighted with Champions League earnings so far
The Magpies picked up £1.8m for their win in the Champions League over Athletic Bilbao this week to make it £5.4m in earnings for victories alone. With four matches remaining against Marseille, Bayer Leverkusen, PSV Eindhoven and Paris St-Germain, there is still lots to play for in terms of big cheques.
Newcastle moved to sixth place in the Champions League big board on Wednesday after seeing off Bilbao, and they will earn £1.7m just for finishing in the top eight. Throw in an extra £9.5m for qualification to the last 16 and Newcastle could be in the money in Europe going into the new year.
Although what is concerning is the failure to qualify for the Champions League next season with United some way off the pace.
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