Premier League clubs prepare for huge move which could block key Newcastle United transfer in January

Newcastle United could miss out on one of their main January transfer targets as result of a new development, which has the potential to affect all clubs in the Premier League.

The Magpies are actively searching for a replacement for the now suspended Sandro Tonali as they aim to cope with the demands of competing and thriving both domestically and in Europe.

Eddie Howe’s side have enjoyed a fantastic start to the season, but signs of fatigue were showcased after their second successive defeat in the Champions League to Borussia Dortmund.

Newcastle are heavily linked with a move for ex-Wolves captain Ruben Neves to help fill the void left by Tonali and add valuable squad depth to the team during the second half of the season. TalkSport have claimed that Newcastle are trying to use their Saudi links with fellow PIF owned club Al-Hilal to make the deal happen on an initial loan with an option to buy.

However, the Toon’s attempts to land the highly-rated midfielder could be derailed by reports of a shareholders meeting between all of the 20 Premier League clubs. The Athletic explains that the meeting focuses on a proposal to implement a ban on associated clubs loaning players between their teams ahead of the January transfer window. 

The outlet adds that the Premier League is considering implementing a temporary transfer ban to ensure the integrity of the competition is withheld, while also offering time for clubs to agree to a long term solution.

Neves is not the only player from Saudi Pro League to be linked with a move to the North East and reports from TEAMTalk also claim that young Spanish midfielder Gabri Veiga of Al-Alhi is a player that is being considered.

Veiga starred for Celta Vigo last season and was linked with a number of top European clubs before moving to the Middle East in the summer.

He is tipped to be a future Spain star in years to come and was a member of the team which reached the final of the U21 European Championship, earlier this year.