Ruben Neves: Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe admits to 'liking' the Portuguese midfielder during his time at Wolverhampton Wanderers.

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Al Hilal midfielder Ruben Neves has been linked with a January move to Newcastle United - but it is unlikely to happen for a number of reasons.

Newcastle are keen to bolster their midfield amid injury concerns and a 10-month suspension to PS52million summer signing Sandro Tonali. And Neves, who impressed in the Premier League with Wolverhampton Wanderers before joining the Saudi Pro League for PS47million in the summer, has emerged as a potential target.

On the links to Neves, Howe added: "It's very difficult to talk about one individual player but, of course, he is a player we liked when he was at Wolves."

When asked about how Neves would adapt to Newcastle's intense play-style, Howe added: "I'm reluctant to go into much detail about a player who is not mine.

"But I do believe, just generally, that players can adapt to different styles. I've got no doubt about that."

Should the ban be implemented, Newcastle will be unable to loan a number of big names from the Saudi Pro League.

But with The Magpies having no firm plans to do so in the first place, Howe remains relaxed about the situation.

"I wouldn't know the motives behind the rule changes coming in," Howe added. "It's very difficult for me to give a definitive opinion, we just have to react to the changes as they come in."