Exclusive: Newcastle have just been offered chance to sign ‘special’ attacker, he’s one to watch

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Newcastle United suddenly have the chance to sign a player from a club that is also owned by PIF.

Given Newcastle United’s ties to Saudi Arabia, there was a lot of expectation that the Magpies would use that market to help them during the January transfer window – especially given their injury issues.

It led to widespread criticism, at a time when it was speculated that Ruben Neves could head to Tyneside following Sandro Tonali’s ban for betting.

But a Premier League vote on banning clubs loaning players from teams with the same owner did not pass, meaning Newcastle are free to do deals with any of the clubs owned by PIF.

One of those is Al Ittihad, who could be on course to part ways with Jota this month. He has been named as a possible target for Eddie Howe‘s team, and now it has been claimed that the 24-year-old has been offered to Newcastle United.

That is according to HITC Football insider Graeme Bailey, who has spoke to Geordie Boot Boys about the Portuguese winger.

Jota to Newcastle is one to ‘keep an eye on’

“Keep an eye on the Jota stuff,” he said.

“That’s quite interesting with Newcastle. He’s a PIF-owned player and might be available for very little. Keep an eye on that one.

“I understand he’s being offered around and Newcastle are one of the clubs he’s been offered to. Obviously they technically own him and he’s a very good player. I think he’d fit in nicely at Newcastle.

“It’s emerging that quite a few clubs like him.”

However, Bailey admits that Newcastle may only make a move for Jota if Miguel Almiron leaves the club.

Newcastle could be in the market for a player like Jota

If Newcastle sell Miguel Almiron then they will need to find a replacement. However, it remains to be seen if the 29-year-old will leave the club.

The Magpies have held talks about getting rid of him this month, but it has been reported that he would like to remain in the North East.

But if there is a change of heart and Almiron goes then Jota could be an ideal replacement. He was incredible during his time with Celtic, scoring 28 goals in 83 appearances and winning five trophies. The attacker was massively influential under Ange Postecoglou, who previously called him ‘special‘.

The fact that Jota plays for a club owned by PIF could make this an easy deal to do. However, it would certainly lead to a lot of scrutiny.