Newcastle are considering controversial loan move for ‘world class’ 26-year-old

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Newcastle United are going to look towards the loan market as they search for a replacement for Sandro Tonali.

The 23-year-old has received a 10-month ban for betting, meaning he is not able to play for Newcastle until the beginning of next season.

That means that the Magpies are a man light in midfield, which could lead to a new signing arriving in the January transfer window.

Kalvin Phillips is the player who has been the most heavily linked, as he looks set to leave Manchester City.

However, Newcastle also have another player on their radar – but a move would be much more controversial than any approach for Phillips, who is apparently keen on a switch to Tyneside.

Newcastle interested in Ruben Neves on loan

According to TalkSPORT, Newcastle are considering signing Ruben Neves on loan during the January transfer window.

Neves recently changed clubs, leaving Wolverhampton Wanderers during the summer. He was one of many players to take their talents to the Saudi Pro League.

The 26-year-old joined Al Hilal for £47million, where he has since made 13 appearances in total, playing alongside the likes of Neymar, Aleksandar Mitrovic and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic.

However, Neves might already have a route back to the Premier League just months after waving goodbye.

The Portugal international would be a good replacement for Tonali. He is top level midfielder, and was described as ‘world class‘ during his time with Wolves.

PIF links mean Newcastle should avoid Neves

Neves could certainly fill the void left by the Italian, but a move would be massively controversial.

That is because Al Hilal are owned by PIF, who also own 80% of Newcastle United. Any kind of deal would come under major scrutiny, and it would likely lead to plenty of complaints from the Magpies’ rivals.

Would it be worth the grief? Not for me. There are plenty of other midfielders out there, and any deal for Neves would only lead to further issues down the road and raise more questions about the Toon ownership.