Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali faces lengthy ban for breaching gambling rules

Newcastle United's big summer signing Sandro Tonali looks set for lengthy ban from playing with the Italy midfielder under investigation for breaching gambling rules.

Tonali and Nicolo Zaniolo – currently on loan at Newcastle's Premier League rivals Aston Villa – were both sent home from the national team's latest training camp after being told they were involved in an investigation by Italian prosecutors.

On Tuesday, Juventus midfielder Nicolo Fagioli was given a seven-month suspension by the Italian football federation (FIGC) on Tuesday for breaching betting rules, fined €12,500 and agreed to undergo therapy for gambling addiction.

And now Newcastle have confirmed that Tonali, who joined the club from Serie A side AC Milan in a deal worth around £60 million, is co-operating with the FIGC investigation into illegal betting activity.

“Sandro is fully engaging with the investigation and will continue to co-operate with all relevant authorities,” Newcastle said in a statement. “He and his family will continue to receive the club's full support.

“Due to this ongoing process, Sandro and Newcastle United are unable to offer further comment at this time.”

It has been reported in Italy that the 23-year-old admitted in a hearing to betting on matches involving his former club Milan and could also face a worldwide football ban if found guilty.

Any lengthy suspension would be a huge blow to Newcastle's plans for the season; in the next two weeks alone they face crucial matches in the Premier League, Champions League and League Cup.

Newcastle are back in domestic action this weekend following the international break, taking on Crystal Palace at St James' Park on Saturday, then Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League on Wednesday