Newcastle United are expected to be busy in the January transfer window.

Though FFP constraints are unlikely to make that easy, Eddie Howe is having to deal with a frankly ridiculous injury crisis.

Throw in Sandro Tonali's ban from football until August and Newcastle really are relying on the bare bones of their squad right now.

With that in mind, strengthening in midfield is said to be a priority ahead of the New Year sales.

Now, there has been an update in regards to Ruben Neves.

Ruben Neves: Newcastle transfer news According to Spanish outlet Sport, the Al Hilal star already has a proposal to join Newcastle in January.

Arsenal are also said to be interested and the report also mentions other European clubs, albeit they are not named.

MORE NEWCASTLE STORIES

Already hugely experienced in the Premier League, there is little reason as to why he couldn't hit the ground running. That feels particularly important for a January signing, with the business end of the season only a few weeks away at that point.

Even if they are forced into making a permanent move for the player, it would hardly be a bad thing. A loan deal would obviously help with FFP but Neves is still only 26, so it's not as if they would be throwing millions at someone who could not represent a long-term investment.

Hailed as "world class" during his time at Wolves, it looks a relatively risk-free signing, particularly given Neves is believed to want to return to the Premier League.