Football news live: Bellingham stars as England qualify for Euro 2024, Tonali betting storm, Manchester United takeover updates

Tonali betting update

talkSPORT’s football correspondent Alex Crook joined White and Jordan this afternoon to give us an update on the betting storm surrounding Italian players – including Newcastle’s Sandro Tonali.

Tonali has been sent home from international duty over an investigation into reported illegal gambling, which could lead to a lengthy ban if proven guilty.

However, there is seemingly good news for Newcastle, as club sources have indicated to talkSPORT that Tonali insists he has NOT been betting on football.

“Three Italian players have been named in this ongoing investigation into so-called illegal betting. Another of them also plays in the Premier League in the form of Nicolo Zaniolo at Aston Villa. We’ve got the Juventus midfielder, Nicolo Fagioli, who’s been named as well by authorities in Italy.

“Interesting to hear the comments from the Italian coach, Luciano Spalletti, this morning, saying that Tonali is, “absolutely distraught” that he’s been caught up in this investigation and that it has had a negative effect on Italy ahead of their preparations for what is a huge game in terms of qualifying for the next Euros. So this could be advantage England tonight.

“There were reports circulating in Italy yesterday that Tonali possibly was going to plead guilty in order to lessen his sentence. Now, the key to this in terms of a ban is whether or not these players were actually betting on their own sport. Italian authorities take a very dim view of that and the punishment is a worldwide ban of up to three years.

“Slightly more positive, my conversations with sources close to Newcastle this morning, they’re suggesting to me that actually Tonali denies betting on football.

“So, therefore, the worldwide ban would be taken off the table, seemingly.

“I think we need some clarity on this from the Italian authorities. Certainly, Newcastle and Aston Villa are trying to seek that clarity, as I understand it.

“Tonali returns to training at Newcastle on Monday and I think Eddie Howe and his coaching staff have been quite sympathetic so far to the situation that he finds himself embroiled in, and there’s no suggestion at this stage that Tonali won’t be eligible for selection for Newcastle against Crystal Palace on Saturday.

“Then why would the Italian squad feel the necessity to send him back? That’s interesting. I think they were suggesting they were almost doing it for the player’s own protection, to get them away from Italy and get them away from the spotlight. But it’s a big call, isn’t it? Because as big as this game is for England tonight, in terms of reaching the Euros, it’s massive for Italy as well.”

Tonali has returned to Newcastle training amid a probe into illegal bettingCredit: Getty