Premier League clubs have rejected a proposed temporary ban on incoming loan deals between clubs sharing the same owners, The Athletic reports.
The verdict means that teams will be able to sanction loan deals with other clubs backed by the same ownership group, with Newcastle United and the Saudi Pro League (SPL) particularly under the spotlight.
The Magpies have been decimated by injury problems, and it hasn’t helped that their big-money acquisition Sandro Tonali is serving a ten-month suspension for breaching betting rules.
Tonali’s ban left a void in Newcastle’s midfield – one they are desperate to fill – and there have been talks of a potential move for Al-Hilal midfielder Ruben Neves, with Eddie Howe regarded as a big fan.
Newcastle have previously been accused of trying to use their PIF connections to sanction a deal, but the outcome of the vote effectively hands them the green light to pursue Neves’ services.
The fast-tracked proposal failed to secure the required 14 votes needed for implementation, falling short by just one vote, with a final tally of 13 in favour and seven against.
While the vote clears a pathway for Newcastle to move for Neves, the ex-Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder is expected to remain with Al-Hilal having established himself as a key player for them.
Newcastle’s chances of landing Neves have taken a significant knock, but it remains to be seen if the Magpies have a few tricks up their sleeve to force a deal.
Amongst other clubs, the verdict also works in Manchester United’s favour, with the Red Devils eyeing up a move for OGC Nice defensive talent Jean Clair Todibo.
Nice owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe is on the verge of acquiring a 25% stake in Man United, establishing an association between the two clubs.
However, the ruling clears the way for the Premier League giants to pursue Todibo without the complications posed by the proposed ban on related-party loan deals.
