Newcastle United eye potential Tonali replacement who ‘dreams’ of January move to St James’ Park

As Newcastle United continue to challenge for consistent top four finishes, the club find themselves linked with many new exciting transfer rumours. It isn’t just the club who are scouring the market either, players are now highlighting St James’ Park as their ideal next career move during this exciting new era at the club.

With the January window fast approaching, the links are multiplying and one interesting connection has reared its head. According to Portuguese outlet O Jogo, the Magpies have turned their attention to Rúben Neves, who left Wolves just this summer to sign for Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia (via Sport Witness). The report also claims that the player himself ‘dreams’ of a January switch to Newcastle, who will be considering options to replace Sandro Tonali during his ban.

The Toon reportedly have their attention on Neves, who despite only leaving England four months ago, sees this as a ‘golden opportunity’ to return to the Premier League. With Newcastle financially backed by the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund, the two clubs could easily agree on a loan move once the January window opens.

Neves joined Al-Hilal from Wolves back in June, for a club record transfer fee of £47 million. The Portugal international has featured in every league match for his new side so far this season but seems to have unfinished business in England.

The exact details over how a deal for Neves would be structured hasn’t been specified but the 26-year-old is said to be open to the opportunity either way. During his time at Wolves, he was regarded as one of the team’s most crucial players and made more than 250 appearances. While he is a defensive midfielder by trade, Neves can also be a creative asset to any side when called upon — he has already notched two goals and four assists in 19 games for Al-Hilal this season.