Sources: Newcastle United discuss sensational Ruben Neves deal
Newcastle United have discussed internally the possibility of sensationally signing Ruben Neves on loan from Al Hilal, sources have told Football Insider.
The Wolves star is close to completing a surprise £47million move to the Saudi club.
Neves has agreed personal terms with Al Hilal and a formal announcement is expected this week.
Now, Premier League big spenders Newcastle are plotting a potential loan deal involving the midfielder, 26, that would see him make an instant Premier League return.
It could run for two years rather than the normal loan term of a single season.
Sources have told Football Insider that the deal has been discussed at an internal level and is regarded as possible given the links between the club and the new football financial hotspot of Saudi Arabia.
Al Hilal have been taken over by the country's Public Investment Fund (PiF), who own an 80 per cent stake in Newcastle.
PIF has announced this week that it will take control of Saudi outfits Al-Ittihad, Al-Ahli, Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal.
Monday's announcement said sovereign wealth fund will own 75 per cent of each club and establish non-profit foundations which will incorporate the club's existing members.
The Saudi PIF led the consortium that bought out Newcastle for £305m in October 2021.
Neves would become just the latest high-profile player to make the move to the Saudi Pro League, following in the footsteps of his international team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo, who joined Al Nassr in December last year.
Former Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema has also transferred to Saudi Arabia this summer. The 35-year-old signed for Al Ittihad, who are coached by former Wolves boss Nuno Espirito Santo.