Sandro Tonali has a gambling addiction, according to his agent, as the Newcastle midfielder faces a police investigation and a possible ban.

The £54 million star has returned to Tyneside after being barred from training with the Italian group last week after a Turin prosecutor started an inquiry into alleged betting by players. Tonali, 23, was Newcastle’s key summer signing and will meet with manager Eddie Howe and club attorneys to discuss his position.

Tonali received significant assistance from the club recently. However, some important issues will have to be answered as agent Guiseppe Riso acknowledged to having a “gambling addiction.”

Newcastle may be questioning how they were unaware of the issue during their research on a high-profile deal.