Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Newcastle are waiting to find out if they’ll be in the Champions League, Europa League or out of European competition altogether come January before finalising their transfer plans.
He believes the club will push on with a move for Ruben Neves if next week’s Premier League vote on related-party transactions allows it, claiming club officials, Eddie Howe and the player himself are all keen for the deal to happen.
However, he’s heard that Newcastle are ‘not optimistic’ about the 21st November meeting going in our favour, meaning Kalvin Phillips could be targeted, despite no negotiations taking place so far between Newcastle and Man City.
Speaking to Caughtoffside on Monday night, here’s what the Italian had to say when asked about the upcoming vote, Neves, Phillips and Newcastle’s patient stance on potential January transfers:
“This meeting will be really important. It’s needed to clarify the issues for Newcastle and other situations around co-ownership. They need to clarify to avoid any problems.
“From what I am hearing, Newcastle are not so optimistic. Newcastle believe many clubs will try to block this kind of movement. So, the Ruben Neves deal is in danger at the moment and they know it’s really complicated to make it happen. We’ll have clarity on this on the 21st (date of Premier League vote).
“For sure Newcastle’s idea is to sign a new midfielder to cover Sandro Tonali, who will be unavailable for the rest of the season. They are looking into the midfielder market. But for them it’s important for them to first understand if they’ll be in the Champions League, the Europa League or maybe out of European competition.
“So they are waiting for clarity over European competitions and then they’ll decide how much they will spend on another midfielder and what kind of player they want. For example, Kalvin Phillips could be another possibility, but it is not a negotiation as of today, as Newcastle are still waiting (to decide who they will target).
“Ruben Neves is a player they really like and a player Eddie Howe really appreciates. If they have the possibility, I’m sure they want to proceed with the Ruben Neves deal. He is the perfect player for them – he also has the experience they need and they really like him. But again, the decision on the 21st will clarify everything.
“Newcastle are waiting. They know Neves would also be open to the move and a return to the Premier League and European football. So, he is waiting and Newcastle are waiting.”
(Watch Romano’s Newcastle update below from 34:00 onwards)
