Sandro Tonali’s time at Newcastle could be extended due to a lack of game time following his return from suspension.
Tonali missed much of his first season at St James’ Park after being handed a ten-month ban for breaching betting regulations.
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His attack preceded his time on Tyneside, with Newcastle bosses having spent most of their summer budget on bringing him from the San Siro.
He has lacked consistent playing time since returning from suspension, which has led to rumors about his future at the club.
Italian publication Gazzetta dello Sport reports that he wants to leave his “beloved AC Milan” due to his problems at Newcastle.
He has made 13 appearances in the Premier League this season, seven of which have been on the bench, totaling just 650 minutes.
Earlier this year, the former Milan player spoke about his difficult debut season in England.
He said: “Last year was a very tough but very productive journey. I will always carry with me the memory of the year I spent off the field, because it is right not to forget it.
“I think when a player trains all week without pursuing his ultimate goal, which is the game, he feels a feeling of emptiness within him.
“It wasn’t easy being away from home in the first year without playing an official game but just trying to stay fit. That was the challenge that I had to take on as seriously as possible.”
The 24-year-old has recently been deployed as a defensive midfielder, which has given him some stronger performances.
Tonali’s alleged desire to leave the Premier League has “attracted the attention” of AC Milan, Inter Milan and Juventus, the report added.
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However, his salary could prove problematic for some as it stands at £9 million per season, a figure that goes unmentioned for some Italian clubs.
Tonali returned to the San Siro last month in Italy’s 3-1 defeat to France and was welcomed by the home fans.
This warm welcome could be just the invitation he has been looking for, with rumors now suggesting he could make a permanent move as Newcastle look for ways to create financial flexibility.
The Pitch Prospect understands Newcastle are under pressure to sell players to avoid breaching Premier League spending rules.
Newcastle are expecting an offer from Manchester City for star midfielder Bruno Guimaraes in January.
While City don’t typically spend big in the winter window, they are expected to back coach Pep Guardiola after he committed his future to the Etihad Stadium last month.
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Replacing the injured Rodri is seen by Guardiola as key to getting the champions’ stuttering season back on track and Guimaraes is high on the list of summer targets.
The Pitch Prospect has been told Newcastle remain under pressure to sell players to avoid breaching Premier League spending rules, with Guimaraes and Alexander Isak their two most lucrative assets.
Some fans may welcome Tonali coming back, but selling the more popular Guimaraes and Isak will not go down well with Newcastle supporters.
Newcastle’s next game is against Leicester at St James’ Park on Saturday.
The Toon are currently 12th in the Premier League table with 20 points after 15 games played.