Newcastle midfielder Bruno Guimaraes could cause the Magpies another issue amid Sandro Tonali's involvement in an illegal betting investigation.
Tonali, along with Aston Villa team-mate Nicolo Zaniolo, were questioned by police around the illegal betting probe last week.
As per reports in Italy, Tonali has since taken part in a lengthy hearing with federal prosecutor Giuseppe Chine about the allegations.
The midfielder's agent has stated that he is currently battling a gambling addiction, and faces a potential worldwide ban of up to three years if he is found to have bet on football matches, which would breach Article 24 of the sports justice code.
However, any ban would be halved if he negotiated a plea agreement with the authorities.
While the investigation is ongoing, Tonali is available to play for Newcastle, and could feature in this weekend's Premier League clash against Crystal Palace.According to The Athletic, an outcome in his case could be reached by December.
Should he be found guilty of an offence, and be banned as a result, Tonali would be unavailable to play for Eddie Howe's side until his ban expires.
That would leave Newcastle a player light in midfield - and they could be left without the services of another key midfielder over a contractual clause.
Brazil star Guimaraes signed a new five-year contract with the Magpies earlier this month, following their stunning 4-1 win over PSG in the Champions League.The 25-year-old is committed to St James' Park until 2028, but he could leave the club at any point during his deal.
That is because, as per Fabrizio Romano, Guimaraes has a release clause in his Newcastle contract, valued at £100 million, that can be triggered by any club.
While rubbishing claims that he had a 'secret clause' to join Barcelona, Romano posted to X (Twitter): "Understand there's no specific release clause for Barcelona or any specific club into Bruno Guimaraes new deal at Newcastle.
"The only clause is valid for all the clubs and it's £100m. No other clauses, sources confirm."
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