AC Milan boss Stefano Pioli insists that he didn’t know about Sandro Tonali’s gambling issues before his £55m Newcastle move… and claims tonight’s Champions League opponents ‘signed a great deal’

AC Milan boss Stefano Pioli insisted he knew nothing about Sandro Tonali's gambling problems before his £55million summer move to Newcastle.

The 23-year-old midfielder will miss tonight's crucial Champions League match at St James' Park after being banned from football for 10 months in October over illegal betting.

It's a must-win match for Newcastle and AC Milan, although both could fail to reach the group stages regardless of the result if Paris Saint-Germain beat Borussia Dortmund in Germany.

Newcastle sporting director Dan Ashworth said he 'didn't know' how much AC Milan knew about the issue before Tonali signed for the Magpies.

AC Milan released a statement denying they had any knowledge following Ashworth's comments, and ahead of tonight's match Pioli insisted Newcastle were getting a 'great' deal.

AC Milan boss Stefano Pioli said it was a 'great' deal for Newcastle to sign Tonali and insisted he had no knowledge of the Italian's gambling problems before his £55million transfer.

When asked during his pre-match press conference if he had any knowledge, Pioli said: “No, I didn't know anything about Sandro's problem.

'He was polite, respected and respected others and was a sensible boy. Even when I think I have a close, open relationship with a player, I don't just talk about football. But I don't know everything about what they do outside.'

When asked if he had any sympathy for tonight's opponents, he said: 'Well, at the time they signed him it was a good deal, they signed a great deal and no one could have expected what happened next.

'Tonali, I'm very close to him. When he was with us, he was a positive boy who always showed good will and dedication. He fell into something delicate. We are close to him and I hope this experience can be useful to him. Can he bounce back? Absolutely yes, in terms of his tactical and physical skills.”

As reported by the Athletic, Newcastle have scrutinized 'every part of the deal' and launched an internal investigation.

It is added that despite Ashworth's comments that he was unsure whether AC Milan officials were aware of Tonali's gambling problems, others at Newcastle are convinced the Italian club had no knowledge whatsoever.

Tonali's absence has exacerbated Newcastle's problems on the pitch, with Eddie Howe's side struggling with an injury crisis that is hurting them in all competitions.

The Magpies have been linked with a January move for Man City midfielder Kalvin Phillips, as well as a loan move for Ruben Neves from Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal.

Despite his suspension, Athletic reports that there is 'no anger or irritation' with Tonali.

Figures at the club are said to be impressed by Tonali's brilliant 'attitude' and work rate as he has put in extra work to improve himself.

Newcastle have been dealing with an injury crisis since the Italian was suspended for ten months

Newcastle must beat AC Milan and hope PSG fail to get the job done against Borussia Dortmund if they want to reach the last 16 of the Champions League

Howe said last month: 'Despite the obvious frustration for me, I'm very happy that he's training at that level and that's a mark of his character because it's very difficult when you have such a long period of time to have your focus day to hold on. -daily and do your job as best you can and he certainly did that.

'So far he is dealing with his situation very well, because he is doing extra work. He's trying to improve himself.'

A win for Newcastle would be enough to reach the last 16 if PSG fail to beat Dortmund – due to their superior head-to-head record.