Newcastle United could continue their pursuit of Ruben Neves in the January transfer window even if they are blocked from signing him on loan, 90min understands.
Premier League sides will vote next week on a temporary ban that will stop teams from signing players from associated clubs. If the motion is passed, Newcastle will be unable to loan in players from the PIF-owned clubs in Saudi Arabia – Al Nassr, Al Ittifaq, Al Ahli and Al Hilal, where Neves currently plays.
Newcastle fully expect their plans to loan Neves to be scuppered, but 90min understands they have not ruled out doing a deal for him.
Indeed, Newcastle and PIF are open to a possible permanent transfer, which would mean any counter-proposals brought in by the Premier League would be legally circumnavigated.
Neves is understood to be keen on a move back to England in January. 90min recently revealed Arsenal are one of the clubs showing an interest, and though the Gunners could ironically complete a loan deal, it remains to be seen whether PIF would sanction that.
90min understands Newcastle are working hard on various options for January, but ultimately bringing in a midfielder to help replace the suspended Sandro Tonali is their top priority.
Neves is one of their preferred targets, but Manchester City’s Kalvin Phillips is another midfielder they are very keen on. 90min understands Newcastle are looking into a potential loan and are emerging as Phillips’s preferred option should he leave the Etihad Stadium this winter.
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