Newcastle will consider all of their legal options as they absorb the shock news that summer signing Sandro Tonali is set to be hit with a ban of at least 12 months for illegal betting.
The Football Association are also waiting for confirmation of the punishment handed down by Italian authorities before investigating if any rules have been broken under their jurisdiction.
Reports in Italy claim that Tonali has confessed to betting on Milan while a player at the club, and that carries a suspension of three years.
However, his admission of guilt and willingness to seek treatment for what his agent calls a ‘gambling addiction’ will help to reduce a potential ban.