Premier League clubs will vote on whether to implement a temporary ban to stop teams loaning players from clubs under the same ownership. The vote is set to take place on Tuesday November 21 and would be immediately put into practice ahead of the forthcoming January transfer window.
If passed, the rule would mean Newcastle United are unable to sign players from Al-Hilal, Al-Ahli, Al-Nassr and Al-Ittihad on-loan during the upcoming January transfer window. Saudi Arabia - and those four clubs in particular - have become a hotbed for footballing talent in recent times and would mean that Newcastle would be prohibited from signing some quality talent during the winter window.
Here, we take a look at 13 players that Newcastle United could target in January, but may be blocked from signing if the new rule is passed on November 21:
1. Riyad Mahrez
Mahrez was one of the most high-profile players to make the switch to the Saudi Pro League during the summer. Five goals and seven assists already this season suggest he is still very capable of playing at a much higher level and is someone that would fit into Newcastle’s current set-up.
2. N’Golo Kante
Kante left Chelsea during the summer to join Al-Ittihad. Although injury problems hampered his final few months at Stamford Bridge, it’s clear that Kante still has the talent to do a job in the Premier League.
3. Aymeric Laporte
The former Manchester City man is more than capable of playing at the very highest level and with defensive options stretched at Newcastle United, Laporte could be viewed as a ready made defender to come in and strengthen the team during the January window.
4. Seko Fofana
Fofana starred for Lens and helped them qualify for the Champions League for the first time last season. His form caught the attention of many in the Premier League, including Newcastle United, however, he instead moved to Al-Nassr.