Newcastle are reportedly turning to the Saudi Pro League for their Sandro Tonali replacement.

The 23-year-old, who is battling a gambling addiction, co-operated fully and his lawyers were able to reduce the punishment from the maximum three year ban.

AdvertTonali will now be absent for club and country until August when the next Premier League season gets underway.

He will still be able to train and feature in behind-closed-doors friendly fixtures to maintain fitness levels.

Al Hilal are one of four clubs backed by the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund, who also own Newcastle, which could make a deal much easier to thrash out.

Tonali will miss the remainder of the season and be sidelined from Euro 2024 if Italy qualify.

He is set to be docked wages as part of his punishment and fined PS17,000, while he must also undergo a gambling rehabilitation plan for eight months and make as many as 16 public appearances at amateur clubs and charities back in his native Italy.