Newcastle United will be allowed to sign players on loan from the Saudi Pro League after a vote did not receive the support required to be enforced. So, who can they buy in January?
A meeting between all 20 Premier League clubs was held on Tuesday to decide whether a new rule would be introduced to ban loan transfers between clubs with shared owners.
In total, 13 clubs from England's top flight voted for the prohibition and 7 against.
But despite the majority decision, 14 votes are required to pass such a law. This news is positive for the likes of Newcastle, who will be free to sign players from clubs that are also owned by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund.
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It means Eddie Howe's side will be able to continue in their pursuit of Al Hilal midfielder Ruben Neves ahead of the January window, as they look to replace Sandro Tonali following his lengthy ban.
Neves, who joined Al Hilal in the summer from Wolves, has been touted as Newcastle's main target but this latest news also means they can make a move for a host of top players from the Saudi Pro League.
Here is a list of 12 players they could well swoop for next year, featuring a host of centre midfield options.
Al-Hilal
- Ruben Neves
- Sergej Milinkovic-Savic
- Aleksandr Mitrovic
Al-Nassr
- Seko Fofana
- Marcelo Brozovic
- Aymeric Laporte
Al-Ittihad
- N'Golo Kante
- Fabinho
- Jota
Al-Ahly
- Franck Kessie
- Gabri Veiga
- Riyad Mahrez
Despite the ongoing rumours surrounding Neves and Newcastle, it was reported this week that the Portuguese midfielder is expected to stay in the Saudi Pro League in January despite interest from the Premier League.
That's according to David Ornstein of The Athletic, who says Neves is not expected to leave Al Hilal in the January transfer window.
Neves has been heavily linked with a move but the former Wolves captain is said to be happy and settled in Riyadh as he continues to establish himself as one of their key players.
Al Hilal currently sit top of the Saudi Pro League ladder after 13 games.
Topics: Newcastle United, Premier League, Saudi Arabia, Saudi Pro League
Jack Kenmare