Newcastle United have held talks over a potential move for Al-Hilal and Portugal midfielder Ruben Neves, according to journalist Graeme Bailey.
The Magpies, along with Manchester United, are claimed to be admirers of the 28-year-old midfielder and are closely monitoring developments regarding his uncertain situation in Saudi Arabia.
Al-Hilal are reportedly struggling to tie the midfielder down to a new contract, with his current £340,000-a-week terms running until June 2026.
Newcastle have reportedly spoken to intermediaries regarding a deal for Neves, who could be on the move in the January transfer window, with several European clubs showing strong interest.
Ruben Neves Could Make Premier League Return
According to Bailey, Al-Hilal are actively looking to sell Neves in January, and the player’s camp is understood to have spoken to several clubs across Europe to gauge potential interest.
Neves has been playing in Saudi Arabia for the past two-and-a-half years, after ending his lengthy stint with Wolves in the Premier League in 2023.
The Portuguese midfielder spent six years at Molineux and made 253 appearances, including 177 in the Premier League, scoring 30 goals and providing 13 assists.
Neves is believed to be seriously considering his options ahead of the market reopening next month and has told his agent he is open to ending his chapter in Saudi Arabia.
The 28-year-old also has interest from clubs in Italy, Germany, Spain and his native Portugal, but a return to England is reportedly appealing to the midfielder.
Newcastle May Need to Sell First
Considering Newcastle already have the likes of Bruno Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali, Jacob Ramsey, Joelinton, Lewis Miley and Joe Willock all fit and available in midfield, adding another name may require a departure first.
Eddie Howe has been heavily reliant on the trio of Guimaraes, Tonali and Joelinton this campaign, while summer arrival Ramsey has been battling fitness issues ever since joining from Aston Villa.
Willock, whose contract expires in June 2027, appears to be the furthest down the pecking order, having played just 218 minutes of league football this season.
Eddie Howe Sack Decision Made
Eddie Howe’s future at Newcastle has been the subject of speculation in recent weeks, but the Magpies are not believed to be considering the Englishman’s departure at the moment.
According to reports, the St James’ Park hierarchy still believe the 48-year-old is the best man for the job and remain focused on turning the domestic season around after a bitter defeat in the Tyneside derby on Sunday.