Newcastle boss Eddie Howe is confident Sandro Tonali will not seek a move, dismissing speculation linking the midfielder with Arsenal as he focuses on a crucial cup tie.
NEWCASTLE United manager Eddie Howe has expressed confidence that midfielder Sandro Tonali will not attempt to force a move away from the club.
Howe dismissed recent speculation linking the Italian international with a shock deadline-day switch to Arsenal, which was reportedly quashed after claims a representative had contacted the Gunners.
The manager was asked if he feared a repeat of the Alexander Isak saga, which saw the striker secure a Premier League record £125 million move to Liverpool last September.
“I don’t think so, but lots of things happen without my knowledge,” Howe said.
“As far as I’m aware, we’ve got a player that’s an outstanding footballer, an outstanding person. He’s very happy here, he’s got a great relationship with me, his team-mates, he seems really, really happy within himself, so that would surprise me.”
Howe acknowledged that top players will always attract interest from rival clubs.
He also revealed his frustration at being unable to strengthen his injury-hit squad during the January transfer window due to financial sustainability rules.
“We were left with no other option really,” Howe added.
“We have only been active in one transfer window in the last four or five so I think we are under financial restrictions, we have to be really smart and we have decided to wait until the summer.”
Newcastle’s immediate focus is on overturning a 2-0 deficit against Manchester City in their League Cup semi-final second leg.
The Magpies are the defending champions, having ended a 70-year wait for a domestic trophy by winning the competition last season.
“It’s going to be an almighty challenge and there’s no bigger challenge than Manchester City away,” said Howe.
“But we believe in ourselves and we’re going to give it a good go.”
