Reporters questioned Eddie Howe about potential attempts to rattle Sandro Tonali. They drew parallels to the pressure that built up before Alexander Isak left for Liverpool last summer. Speaking ahead of the Carabao Cup game against Manchester City, the Newcastle manager shut down claims that a campaign was trying to unsettle the Italian midfielder.

Howe insisted that top players will always face outside noise. Even so, he made it clear that Tonali is happy at St James’ Park. He mentioned a private chat with the player. That talk confirmed that Tonali is focused entirely on the next match. Howe brushed off any idea of a split or a distracted locker room.

At 25, the Italy international has become a massive part of Newcastle’s midfield. He recently came back from a 10-month ban for betting. His knack for controlling the game’s pace and pushing the team forward works well with Bruno Guimarães. Together, they have a partnership that the Magpies really can’t afford to break up.

The January window brought up some rumours linking him to Arsenal. Still, Howe’s words suggest the club have no intention of letting him go. The Isak comparison hits home. While the...