EDDIE Howe says he can't wait to see Sandro Tonali in a Newcastle United shirt after the Italian midfielder made a positive first impression as he reported for pre-season training.

Howe believes the summer recruit will "elevate the group" and bring the best out of his Newcastle teammates, with the head coach revealing that the 23-year-old is quickly picking up the English language as he settles into life in the North-East.

Tonali and Newcastle's other international players reported back for pre-season at the end of last week having been given an extended summer break, and Howe is "excited" by what he saw from his returning players.

The internationals - also including Bruno Guimaraes, Joelinton and Anthony Gordon - did their fitness testing on Friday and trained again on Saturday morning before heading for the Gateshead International Stadium to watch Newcastle's first friendly of the summer.

Howe has already seen enough of Tonali to be convinced he'll "fit in really well".

"He trained on Friday, he did a fitness test and did well, on Saturday he trained properly and did well," said Howe.

"I was really excited with the group we had on Saturday morning. It was very strong. We have a lot of good players to come back."

Howe has often talked about the need to bring in "elite" players as Newcastle look to continue their upwards trajectory, and Tonali - an Italy international and Serie A winner with AC Milan - certainly fits into that category.

Howe said: "Marquee is not necessarily the right word, for me it's good players and bringing in players who will elevate the group. Sandro is one of those players who can elevate everyone around him. He'll fit in really well to how we play.

"The early signs are very positive. He's a great lad as well so he's fit in really well so far. I can't wait to see him in a Newcastle shirt.

"His English is improving as well. In the brief time I've met him I've seen a big difference."

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It's impossible to draw conclusions from pre-season games but Tonali got his first glimpse of his new side at Gateshead.

Howe said: "I think he would have seen passages of what we want to do, maybe not the complete article but he'll have seen the intention, certainly with a better second half in all aspects of our play."

Meanwhile, Howe is backing Anthony Gordon to have a "big" season for Newcastle on the back of his summer success with England's Under-21s.

The head coach said: "I'm looking forward to working with Anthony. He did very well in the fitness tests as you'd expect because he hasn't really had a break. He's trained very well (since reporting back).

"I'm expecting big things for him this year and was really pleased with what he delivered for England. Amazing memories for him."