Newcastle United are set to discover whether or not they will be able to sign players like Ruben Neves on loan when the January transfer window opens.
The Magpies have been linked with bringing in the Portuguese midfielder on a temporary basis, as they look to fill the hole in their squad left by Sandro Tonali following his ban.
Neves looks likely to be on the move in January, just months after joining Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia. However, he has failed to settle there and is now seeking a return to the Premier League.
That looked like it would present Newcastle with an opportunity, but this situation is far from straightforward.
Any deal between the Magpies and Al Hilal would be controversial, as both clubs are owned by PIF.
Newcastle would be seen to be exploiting a loophole if they were to loan a player from another club under the same ownership, and it is a loophole that could be about to temporarily close.
Premier League clubs set to vote as Newcastle’s Ruben Neves interest hangs in the balance
The Premier League’s members are due to vote on a temporary ban on clubs loaning players from clubs with the same owner, amid Newcastle’s interest in Ruben Neves.
That vote takes place today (November 21st), with at least 14 out of 20 votes needed for it to pass.
According to iNews, it is ‘almost certain’ that Premier League clubs will vote in favour, which will result in Newcastle being unable to loan players from other clubs that PIF are linked with.
While Newcastle will be unable to get a player like Neves, there will be nothing to stop another Premier League side bringing in the 26-year-old. For example, Arsenal have been linked with a move for the former Wolverhampton Wanderers star.
The rule would also stop Newcastle from signing Al Ittihad winger Jota, who has also been linked with a move to Tyneside.
It is a frustrating situation for the Magpies, and one they will have to work around as they continue to search for a midfielder.
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