Newcastle United have been told to steer clear of former Wolverhampton Wanderers star Ruben Neves in order to avoid 'controversy.'

The Portuguese midfielder left Molineux after a six-year stint with the club in the summer and now currently plays for Al-Hilal in the Saudi Pro League. Despite being linked with moves to the Magpies and La Liga giants Barcelona, Neves opted for the Middle Eastern side but could now see a return to the Premier League blocked off.

It comes as Al-Hilal is one of the Saudi Arabian clubs owned by The Public Investment Fund which also owns 80 percent of Eddie Howe's side, meaning that other clubs and supporters have concerns about deals being made between clubs with associated or the same ownership groups.

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Newcastle's staggering injury record currently stacks up at 13 and that's without including summer signing Sandro Tonali, whose ten-month gambling ban means he'll be out for the rest of the season. Other midfield options unavailable are Bruno Guimaraes and Elliott Anderson leaving Howe and company no choice but to dip into the transfer market in January for some reinforcements.

With a vote taking place on Tuesday, November 21 between Premier League clubs to temporarily ban loan deals between associated clubs - which would need 14 clubs to vote in favour to pass - ChronicleLive Newcastle Editor Aaron Stokes believes the club still should avoid a move for Neves and that Howe and Newcastle sporting director Dan Ashworth have been warned off making a loan move, even if the vote doesn't succeed.

Speaking on The Monday Show via the Everything is Black and White Podcast, Stokes said: "For me, I don't think Newcastle United should be even daring to go and sign players from Saudi Arabia even if they can because there's too much murky water.

"People will say 'What are you talking about?' but I just think for me, stay away from the controversy that comes with it. Newcastle United don't need to be going and signing players from Saudi Arabia."

Following confirmation of Tonali's ban, Ashworth spoke to reporters and was asked about whether they'd consider an approach for Neves. Stokes added: "It was like he was dipping his toe in the water to see the reaction he would get.

"He said: 'There's nothing stopping us at the minute going out and signing Neves. What do you know? A few weeks later the Premier League clubs gathered together to discuss it.

"Premier League chiefs insist it has got nothing to do with Newcastle. If this vote goes the way Newcastle hope it doesn't, then they've got no choice but not to sign Neves on loan.

"It's that word uncomfortable that sits with me. There's been so much controversy around the takeover and the Saudi deals and sponsorship, and I think it poses more questions than it answers. It just wouldn't sit right."

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