Here are the latest Newcastle United headlines for Monday, October 16, 2023.

Shelvey's thanks to Howe

Former Newcastle United Jonjo Shelvey has paid tribute to the way Eddie Howe handled his exit from St James' Park last January. Shelvey knew that game time would 'probably be limited' if he stayed, after failing to make a league start during an injury-disrupted campaign for the club last season, and a January move to Nottingham Forest offered 'security going forward for my family'.

However, Howe initially said no when Shelvey asked to leave in the final throes of the window - only for the Newcastle boss to change his mind.

"He came in the next day and said because of the way I spoke to him and approached him and because of our relationship, he was going to let me go," Shelvey revealed. "He also said that I had killed him by leaving it too late for the club to bring in another midfield player. I was putting him in the s---, basically. I said, 'Sorry!' but I was thankful for the way he let me go. It was an amazing send-off as well."

Tonali update

Newcastle United are in the clear to play Sandro Tonali this weekend if they choose to. Chronicle Live understands that while the FA are well aware of the midfielder's situation in Italy, the 23-year-old will not be prevented by the governing body until facts become clear in his home country.

Like the FA, Premier League officials have also been keeping an eye on what is happening with Tonali and Aston Villa's Nicolo Zaniolo after they were caught up in alleged illegal betting. The Premier League will be guided by the FA on whether any potential bans from Italy will be transferred to UK shores.

But after being consulted by FA sources, Chronicle Live has been told that Tonali will be available to face Crystal Palace this weekend. Newcastle had no updates on Tonali when approached today but Tonali is back at work and has had support from Eddie Howe and the backroom team.

FULL STORY HERE

Injury latest

Newcastle United centre-back Sven Botman has dropped a hint he will be back sooner rather than later after missing the last four matches with a knee injury.

Botman last appeared in the 8-0 thrashing of Sheffield United but has been working around the clock to get back to full fitness. Despite not losing a game in his absence, Botman is expected to walk straight back into the Toon team ahead of Jamaal Lascelles.

Botman has been hard at work over the international break and posted a picture of himself with a caption reading: "Coming back stronger than ever." The other big star that Newcastle fans are eager for an update on is Alexander Isak who pulled out of the Sweden squad last week with a groin injury.

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