Man Utd could block Newcastle United transfer ahead of January window

Manchester United could block Newcastle United from making a key signing this January, but they could also shoot themselves in the foot the same time. The Red Devils will be looking to challenge Newcastle for a European spot this season.

The Magpies haven't set the world alight by any means, currently in sixth place in the Premier League, but they are two points better off and currently inside the European spots, while United - of the Manchester variety - are in eighth spot, although that could turn out to be a Conference League spot under UEFA competition changes.

Like United, though, Newcastle have also had some off-the-pitch issues to deal with, with pricey summer signing Sandro Tonali suspended for 10 months over gambling violations from his time at AC Milan. That suspension has left Newcastle needing a replacement in holding midfield, and they are reportedly interested in former Wolves star Ruben Neves as a result.

Neves only joined Al-Hilal in the summer, but it has been reported that Newcastle could offer him a loan move back to the Premier League due to their owners, PIF, also owning a stake in a number of Saudi clubs, including Al-Hilal.

But it seems the Premier League are not on board with clubs getting cheap and handy deals due to their owners also controlling other clubs. With that in mind, the BBC report that Premier League clubs will hold a vote on November 21, at the shareholders meeting, to temporarily ban such deals.

The ban would only apply to incoming loans and would not impact outgoing loans, which are common for Premier League clubs who share relationships with clubs abroad, often due to shared ownership. If the vote passes, and United will have a say in the vote, then it would stop Newcastle from signing Neves, but it could also put a pin in a Red Devils deal.

United have been linked with Nice star Jean-Clair Todibo ahead of January, and with Nice owners INEOS - owner by Jim Ratcliffe - set to invest in United, it would mean Todibo can not be signed, at least not on loan. While a purchase would be more ideal, United would likely pursue a loan due to an ongoing battle with Financial Fair Play, having already received a fine for a minor breach of the FFP rules.