Everyone is trying to sell players to Saudi Arabia - and Newcastle want to do the opposite!

Newcastle United has revealed that there are currently no restrictions preventing them from signing players from the Saudi Pro League as they seek to replace the suspended Sandro Tonali.

The Italian started well at St. James' Park but is now facing a ten-month suspension due to multiple breaches of gambling rules during his time at AC Milan. In light of his suspension, Newcastle, led by manager Eddie Howe, are planning to enter the transfer market in January to address the gap in central midfield. The Telegraph has reported that the Magpies are keen on pursuing a move for Ruben Neves.

However, such a transfer may come under scrutiny from other Premier League clubs due to Newcastle's Saudi Arabian ownership. The club is owned by the Saudi Public Investment Fund, which also owns Al-Hilal, Neves' current club, and three other clubs in the Saudi Pro League. Neves moved to the Middle East from Wolverhampton Wanderers in a $58 million deal a few months ago. Reports suggest that he has not fully settled at his new club and would be interested in returning to England.

Newcastle's director of football, Dan Ashworth, clarified that there are currently no rules or regulations preventing such a transfer, but he noted that various organizations might look into dealings involving related parties and the acquisition of players at a fair market value.

"Currently, there are no rules preventing us from signing players from Saudi Arabia. The current rules and regulations say there is nothing to stop it, currently. But there are … there is a potential that the various different organisations will look at things across related parties and what you can do to acquire players at a fair market value, although these have already been in place for quite a while."

Newcastle has previously engaged in business with other PIF-owned clubs, as they sold French winger Allan Saint-Maximin to Al-Ahli for $28 million.

For the time being, Newcastle will have to cope without Tonali as they prepare to face Arsenal in the Premier League. The team will be boosted by their recent 3-0 away win against Manchester United in the Carabao Cup and will aim to close the gap on Mikel Arteta's side, who suffered a disappointing cup exit with a 3-1 loss to West Ham.