Newcastle notes: Insiders reveal Sandro Tonali payback determination, Willock hope

Newcastle United are due to firm up their pre-season plans this week with fans set to discover the remainder of the summer schedule.

The Magpies will be heading to Japan at the end of July but domestic fixtures and the Sela Cup tournament at St James' Park is yet to be be confirmed. With the Premier League fixtures due to be announced on Tuesday, the fans should have the full picture next week.

So far Newcastle's fixture against Urawa Red Diamonds in Saitama on July 31 and the clash on August 3 against Yokohama F Marinos in Tokyo are the only games officially on the list. The Sela Cup at St James' Park is due to take place a week later.

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Details of the rest of United's plans, including a proposed training camp in Germany, are due soon. Premier League fixtures are released at 9am on Tuesday.

Sandro Tonali ready to hit the ground running after 10 months out

The Italy international midfielder will be back for Newcastle's third game of the Premier League season after his FIFA ban up soon. It's been a long wait for Tonali but United have ensured he has kept ticking over after months of uncertainty.

The midfielder will be able to join in pre-season training from day one and the club gave him a strict personal programme to follow over the summer months. Tonali has told team-mates he feels indebted to United for sticking by him and offering him such incredible support.

Sources at United have stated that Tonali intends to "repay" both the supporters and Toon staff with his performances in the opening months of the new season. His worst nightmare is almost behind him.

Joe Willock hope for Newcastle fans

Both Newcastle supporters and Eddie Howe are praying that former Arsenal star Joe Willock will be ready from the word go in pre-season.

That wasn't the case just 12 months ago when the goal-getter was out with an achilles problem over the summer month. Willock suffered with the same issue last term and compounded his agony by picking up a hamstring problem before his season was cut short in April.

But Howe's big hope is that Willock will be ready to play a part in pre-season and put his treatment worries behind him.

Howe signed off for last season saying: “With Joe, we all decided with the medical team and Joe that a period where he strengthens the area around his Achilles will benefit him more. The long-term view was taken, we will get him right for next season."