Newcastle are considering using their Saudi connections to sign a loan replacement for banned star Sandro Tonali - with Ruben Neves and N'Golo Kante in their sights.
The 23-year-old midfielder has received a 10-month ban from the Italian Football Federation for breaking their betting rules. Tonali's agent has confirmed his client has a gambling addiction, with the player also set to complete an eight-month rehab programme.
Tonali's ban hasn't kicked in yet, as it needs to be ratified by the Premier League, UEFA and FIFA. The Italy international could play for Newcastle in their game against Wolves on Saturday. Eddie Howe has confirmed the £54million ace is part of his squad.
Yet Tonali will be unavailable by the time the January transfer window opens, forcing Howe to look for a replacement. It's believed Newcastle are torn on whether to make a permanent signing - with four names in the frame - or bring someone in on loan.
If Howe decides to use the loan market, he may look to Saudi Arabia. Newcastle are owned by the Public Investment Fund, Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund. The PIF also own four Saudi Pro League clubs: Al-Ittihad, Al-Nassr, Al-Hilal and Al-Ahli.
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As such, Newcastle could ask the PIF to sign a midfielder on loan for the rest of the season, which would help with Financial Fair Play (FFP). The four Saudi clubs owned by PIF all signed midfielders from top-flight European clubs during the summer.
Franck Kessie and Gabri Veiga are at Al-Ahli, and Fabinho and Kante have joined Saudi champions Al-Ittihad. Marcelo Brozovic, Seko Fofana and Otavio play alongside Cristiano Ronaldo at Al-Nassr, while Al-Hilal boast the talents of Neves and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic.
Newcastle are interested in loaning Ruben Neves or N'Golo Kante (Getty Images)Who do you think Newcastle should sign? Let us know in the comments below!
According to talkSPORT, the two players Newcastle are particularly interested in are Kante and Neves. Kante, 32, boasts a wealth of experience after winning the Premier League title with both Chelsea and Leicester. The France international's other honours include the World Cup, the Champions League, the Europa League and the FA Cup.
Neves, 26, stunned fans by leaving Wolves for Al-Hilal during the summer. The Portuguese midfielder is at the peak of his powers and was linked with the likes of Arsenal before leaving the Premier League. Many Newcastle fans would be happy to sign him.
Yet Howe has also compiled a four-man shortlist if Newcastle decide to make a permanent signing. Scott McTominay of Manchester United, Kalvin Phillips of Manchester City, Joao Palhinha of Fulham and Amadou Onana of Everton are those in the frame.
Howe told reporters on Friday that Tonali is in contention to play against Wolves at Molineux. The Newcastle boss said: "Yes there is a high chance he could be available. There are a few things that have to happen before the ban is imposed."
Howe added: "It is difficult. We have not had confirmation as a club. We heard the news and statement but not had anything from the Italian authorities and we are in limbo waiting for confirmation... He is going to have difficult moments in that (10-month) time frame."
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