Howe drops Ruben Neves hint and responds to Premier League vote

Eddie Howe has revealed that Ruben Neves is "a player we liked" during his time at Wolves, confirming Newcastle are admirers of the Portuguese midfielder.

The club have been tipped to launch a January loan bid for the Al-Hilal star in the New Year. However, it's emerged over the past 48 hours that Premier League clubs will vote to 'temporarily ban' related-party loan deals, with PIF majority owners of Newcastle and the Saudi Pro League side.

Asked if we're interested in Neves and for his thoughts on the Premier League vote, Howe had this to say:

“It is very difficult to talk about one individual player. Of course he’s a player we liked when he was at Wolves.

“I would not know the motives behind the rule changes coming in. It’s very difficult for me to give an opinion on them. We just have to react to the rules as they come in.

"We have been watching events as everyone else has and we will wait and see what the result of that vote is. It's very difficult for me to comment from our perspective. I'll let you make assessments on what's happened."

Howe rarely gives anything away about players from other clubs, so the fact he confirmed our admiration may be telling. That said, it will mean very little if the Premier League vote on 21st November blocks us from making a January loan bid for the midfielder.