Newcastle were not entertaining talk about selling Sandro Tonali during the January transfer window and are not expected to change stance in the summer.

That is despite late reports that the 25-year-old’s representatives had offered him to Arsenal as a potential late signing on deadline day in a bombshell move.

His agent Giuseppe Riso has since denied speaking to the Gunners, but did not rule out the possibility of a summer move and will assess the situation “in March or April”. [BBC]

However, former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Newcastle‘s position is not likely to change as he remains crucial for Eddie Howe.

Tonali has played 36 games across all competitions so far this season, including in Wednesday night’s 3-1 defeat to Man City, and will not be allowed to leave.

Newcastle respond to Arsenal interest in Sandro Tonali

Brown told Football Insider in October that Tonali was happy to stay at Newcastle and feels he owes the club for backing him during his lengthy ban.

That is still believed to be the case, with Howe clarifying that the Italy international is very happy at St James’ Park, but his agent could be looking to change things.

“It’s another case of agents causing trouble,” Brown told Football Insider.

“Newcastle paid good money for Tonali to bring him in, then he had the betting scandal and the club stood by him, backed him and saw him through it.

“Now, he’s come back to playing and he’s doing very well, he’s a crucial part of the team.

“They’re hoping he’s going to show them the same type of loyalty, because after everything that happened, they didn’t have to support him the way they did.

“At the first sign of him playing at the top of his game, his agent is trying to orchestrate a move to Arsenal, but it’s not up to his agent.

“Ultimately, Newcastle don’t want to let him go so they’re not going to if they can help it, but things can get complicated when agents stick their noses in like this.”

Odds slashed on Eddie Howe to be sacked

Despite speculation about the futures of some of those on the pitch, Howe has also faced pressure over his position after a number of inconsistent results.

Howe is among the favourites to be sacked in the near future, with odds slashed following the Carabao Cup defeat to Man City which finished 5-1 on aggregate.

However, this is not the first time there have been calls for the manager’s head, as some Newcastle fans have called for Howe’s sacking following a draw with Chelsea.

Brown told Football Insider in December that Newcastle are unlikely to sack Howe and want to back him to get their results back on track over the coming months.

Despite what has proved to be a turbulent season, the boss still has plenty of credit in the bank given the success he has enjoyed in the North East.

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