A win for Newcastle? Premier League clubs not expected to vote in favour of blocking related-party loans after Ruben Neves Saudi Pro League rumours controversy

According to Craig Hope, Premier League clubs won't vote in favour of blocking related-party loans which would ensure that clubs with the same ownership structure will be free to carry out business in January. The motion must have the backing of 14 Premier League clubs, and the motion will be put to vote on November 21 during the shareholders' meeting.

Newcastle United can breathe a sigh of relief if the block does not take place as they are reportedly pursuing Al-Hilal midfielder Ruben Neves in January as a potential loan replacement for Sandro Tonali,who is serving a 10-month ban for breaching betting rules. However, their attempts to sign the Portuguese will hit a roadblock - if the resolution is passed - as they are majority owned by the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF), the same outfit that owns Al-Hilal as well.

Eddie Howe, manager of Newcastle, had admitted a couple of weeks back that "one can make the assumption" that the club will vote against the motion. He also revealed that the team management "liked" Neves when he was plying his trade for Wolverhampton Wanderers.

The Magpies are keeping their options open and have reportedly drawn up a shortlist if they miss out on Neves. It features Copenhagen's winger Roony Bardghji, who was in stellar form and got on the scoresheet against Manchester United in the Champions League earlier in the season.