Newcastle United are eyeing a potential move for Ruben Neves this January, and he is very keen on a return to the Premier League, according to TBR Football.
The Magpies have had a poor start to their season so far despite a busy summer transfer window, with just one win from their first five Premier League games while they also suffered defeat in their first Champions League game against Barcelona.
Eddie Howe is keen to strengthen the squad further for the second half of the season after selling Alexander Isak in a British record deal on deadline day, meaning there is cash to spend, and Neves has emerged as a potential target.
Newcastle Eyeing Ruben Neves Move
Neves, who currently earns £410,000-a-week at Saudi outfit Al Hilal, left the Premier League for the Saudi Pro League back in 2023 and is now into the final year of his contract with the club.
Al Hilal are keen to tie him down to a new contract, but the former Wolves star believes that he has ‘unfinished business’ in the Premier League and is keen to make a return to England as a result, according to Bailey.
“I am told that Neves thinks there is ‘unfinished’ business in England – he had a wonderful time at Molineux and he is still highly respected.
“But it is not a given that he moves back to England.
“A return to Portugal would be considered whilst there is strong interest in Spain and Italy too – he is not going to be short of options.
“It is believed that Neves, given his substantial earnings during his stay in Saudi Arabia, won’t be looking for similar wages – he is in a good position that he will be able to choose the best club for him – this move will not be about the finances.”
Newcastle were contacted about a potential deal for the Portugal international during the summer transfer window but ultimately a deal wasn’t completed and the 28-year-old stayed in Saudi, but the club have asked to be kept informed of his situation heading into the new year.
Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United are also keen on a deal for Neves and are eyeing a potential move in January, however, Newcastle could have an advantage in the race for his signature due to their ownership.
The Magpies are owned by the Saudi PIF, who also own Al Hilal, and it’s possible that a deal is easier to do for them should Neves be open to making the switch to St James’ Park. Al Hilal are unlikely to want to lose him for free in the summer, having spent £47m bringing him to Saudi, and that makes a January switch more possible should they fail to agree a new deal with him between now and then.