The Magpies are not in for ex-winger Allan Saint Maximin with Sandro Tonali rumours also shut down
Sandro Tonali before a Newcastle United game
Sandro Tonali before a Newcastle United game(Image: Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images)
View Image
Newcastle United have had no contact on deadline day for Sandro Tonali - despite reports of interest from a Premier League rival.
A report from Sky Sport in Germany stated that Arsenal were "exploring" a move for the Italy international. But the talk here on Tyneside is that Tonali has had 'no contact' and the mere suggestion that the Gunners have made an approach is 'not true'.
Tonali has a contract until 2029 with his deal extended during his 10-month FIFA ban for illegal betting. Sporting director Ross Wilson stated only in December: "My first three or four days in the job was when I found that Sandro’s contract situation as significantly better than the one I was expecting. My first days were about analysing contracts – where are we, where are we strong, where are we weak, where have we got issues?"
Tonali has constantly been linked with moves to Italy with Juventus and AC Milan the destinations mooted by Italian journalists. But Newcastle believe that no Serie A club could afford the fee for the midfielder.
And Newcastle would be in a strong position with Tonali IF they had an approach from a top-flight domestic rival. Newcastle were mystified by a report from Florian Plettenberg on deadline day.
Speaking on his future at the end of last year, Tonali said: "This is a tough question because, you know, [in] football you need to think year for year.
"I don't want to say I want to stay here 10 years and in two years, three years, four years [or] five years I will go."
Meanwhile, Chronicle Live have been told that a move for Allan Saint-Maximin is not on the cards. The Frenchman left Club America over the weekend after his children were targets of racist abuse.
But a return to Newcastle is not possible according to those close to the French star. Club America coach Andre Jardine says Saint-Maximin as a "fantastic" player with "the ability to play in any league in the world."
Here at ChronicleLive, we are dedicated to bringing you the best Newcastle United coverage and analysis.
Make sure you don't miss out on the latest NUFC news by joining our free WhatsApp group. You can get all the breaking news and best analysis sent straight to your phone by clicking here to subscribe.
You can also subscribe to our free newsletter service. Click here to be sent all the day's biggest stories.
And, finally, if you would rather listen to our expert analysis then make sure to check out our Everything is Black and White podcast. Our shows are available on all podcast platforms, including Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and you can also watch along on YouTube.