Newcastle devise FFP workaround to secure Arsenal target

Jacque Talbot

• 18 Nov 2023 15:24 GMT
• 3 min read

Newcastle are open to working around any stumbling blocks pertaining to capturing the signing of Ruben Neves and will consider making a permanent move if they are blocked from signing him on loan, according to reports.

Outlet 90min states that the Magpies are hoping to sign the former Wolves midfielder in January and are prepared to pay for a permanent move should Premier League sides vote next week on a temporary ban that will stop teams from signing players from associated clubs.

If the Premier League agrees to the motion, it means that Newcastle will be unable to secure moves from PIF-owned clubs in Saudi Arabia, given the sovereign fund owns 80 per cent of their club.

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Eddie Howe will not be able to loan players in the Pro League such as Al Nassr, Al Ittifaq, Al Ahli and Al Hilal, the latter of which Neves plays for.

The club anticipate that the notion will be passed but they still intend to push for a move for Neves, it is thought.

Does Neves want to come back to the Premier League?

Neves, who is still a regular for the Portugal national side despite leaving the Premier League over the summer, is believed to be open to a return to England in the winter window, with Arsenal also among the interested parties, with Thomas Partey’s future looking uncertain amid interest from Juventus.

Newcastle have a number of options open for next year but are determined to bring a midfielder to the fold, following the suspension of Sandro Tonali. His replacement is considered a top priority.

Neves is one of their preferred targets but Manchester City's Kalvin Phillips is another that the club admire as well.