Newcastle United are looking into a loan deal with a right to buy for midfielder Ruben Neves as they seek out replacements for Sandro Tonali.
That’s according to Tuttomercatoweb, who say Newcastle want to bring Neves back to Europe from Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal.
They explain that manager Eddie Howe has ‘asked for his purchase’ as he wants the club to sign a midfielder to replace Tonali, who has been suspended for ten months for betting on football.
Simply buying him from Al-Hilal would be difficult given he cost the Saudi Arabian club €55m in the summer transfer window and Newcastle’s finances are tight due to Financial Fair Play.
The idea, according to TMW, is for Neves to arrive at St James Park on loan with the right to buy and contacts have been underway ‘for some time’.
These have intensified in recent weeks, particularly after Tonali’s ban was confirmed, and now there has been an ‘acceleration’.
There is nothing defined or definitive as yet but Neves ‘would look favourably’ on a return to the Premier League as his salary would likely remain the same, as it would be partly paid by Al-Hilal, who in turn would be allowed to bring another foreign player into their squad in January.
It seems, then, the deal is there to be done and all the relevant parties are working to get it wrapped up quickly ahead of the winter transfer window.
