Newcastle United star Sandro Tonali has eyes on a return to Italy, and it could stop them experiencing at least some of the pain caused by the Alexander Isak saga. 

According to talkSPORT journalist Alex Crook, midfielder Tonali would prefer a return to Italy rather than joining another Premier League club.

Hard choice – but who are you selling if you were in charge? 🤔

Feel free to include anyone not pictured!

Speaking about the midfielder’s future amid Tonali’s links with Manchester United, he said: “I keep being told that if he had his way, he would go back to Italy – maybe AC Milan – rather than swap Premier League clubs.”

Tonali reportedly prefers move to Italy

While losing him would hardly be ideal, that stance arguably works in Newcastle’s favour if they are ever forced into a sale.

The Magpies have already learned the hard way how painful it is when a top player leaves for a Premier League rival.

I know it sounds like sour grapes, but I’d take the money and run 😡

Let me know what you think 👇

That plan collapsed when Liverpool embarked on an aggressive pursuit of the striker, with no serious rival emerging despite a summer-long transfer saga.

Isak will now almost certainly face the Magpies in the Premier League at some point, directly strengthening a rival and weakening Eddie Howe’s side all while serving as a reminder of Newcastle’s current place in the pecking order.

Tonali’s preference changes the dynamic somewhat.

It would at least stop the heartache of watching another one of the club’s very best players at a domestic rival.

While there is no guarantee that Tonali will leave Newcastle this summer, selling him to a foreign team would obviously be preferable – as long as there’s a decent fee involved.

The same goes with Anthony Gordon amid his links with a move to Bayern Munich.

Part of the pain of the Isak situation is the fact his mere presence so close to home serves as a reminder of perhaps the most acrimonious departure in recent club history.