Eddie Howe does not believe he needs to be making constant checks on Sandro Tonali's happiness at Newcastle United.

The Italy international has been the subject of intense transfer speculation from his home country, who have reported that AC Milan and Juventus are both keen on a January bid for his services. But Howe does not feel that Tonali's head will be turned after watching the midfielder overcome a 10-month ban dished out by FIFA for illegal betting last season, the head coach has no qualms about the reporting frenzy that may lie ahead for the star.

Howe has already insisted: "I've got no plans of losing Sandro. I laugh because that [question] seems so out of the blue for me. Sandro is a vital part of what we're doing and our investment in his was long-term."

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And the head coach used the midfielder's difficult campaign last season to give an idea of the star's character behind the scenes. Howe said: "He was very low maintenance (during his ban. He was incredibly helpful to the players that were playing, incredibly supportive of them, and he’s carried that on this year. Now he’s available and is playing very well, but those qualities still exist.

"He’s still a very good team-mate, he’s still caring about the other players. I can’t speak highly enough of how he’s conducted himself."

The latest reports coming from Italy say that Milan would be prepared to offer one of Fikayo Tomori, Samu Chuwkueze and Ruben Loftus-Cheek in a swap deal for Tonali. But Howe is focused on building a team around the former Brescia star. And he has even gone one step further with his praise when comparing him with Italy legend Andrea Pirlo.

Howe said: "When I first saw Sandro play, there were definite links to Pirlo without a doubt - and it’s not just the hair! There’s more to it than that. He’s definitely got those similar qualities in terms of build and style, but the thing that set Sandro apart was that he could do all of those things technically and tactically, but it’s his athleticism as well, his ability to run."

Tonali has sparkled in the No 6 role for Newcastle in recent games and his forging a brilliant understanding with Bruno Guimaraes. Howe was left purring over his recent form and, speaking ahead of the clash with Aston Villa, he said: "We’ve seen that in recent games from a defensive viewpoint more than an attacking viewpoint, where he’s sprinting to put out fires, nicking balls, intercepting balls, using his athleticism to track runners. He’s been excellent in that respect and that’s really helped the team."