Bitter Ruben Neves branded Newcastle a ‘long-ball team’ but could now be their saviour

6 months ago

Newcastle’s dilemma surrounding Sandro Tonali’s imminent ban could see them launch an offensive for former Wolves captain Ruben Neves.

The Portuguese star swapped Molineux for Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal this summer, linking up with ex-Chelsea star Kalidou Koulibaly and Brazilian playmaker Neymar.

Neves was on target against Newcastle last season but criticised the club’s playing style in a post-match interviewCredit: Getty

But reports claim Neves’ Saudi adventure could be a short-lived one with Eddie Howe’s Magpies keen to fill the hole left by Tonali’s impending ten-month ban for illegal betting.

Newcastle had been linked with a move for out-of-favour Manchester City star Kalvin Phillips but Neves appears to be leading the way as Howe moves quickly to plug the gap in his midfield.

The 26-year-old knows all about the trajectory Howe’s side are on but didn’t hesitate to slam the Magpies after a 1-1 draw at Molineux last season.

Neves, who fired Wolves in front during the clash, ripped into Howe’s side following the draw, claiming Newcastle were a long-ball team.

“Well it’s the Premier League, every game is like that,” Neves told Sky Sports. “Of course their style of play is like that. Just long balls and second balls. They’re not a team that wants to have possession too much, we knew that, we prepared really well for that.”

But as often happens, a twist of fate could see the Portuguese land at St James’ Park when the transfer window reopens in January.

Neves could be the man to provide salvation to Howe’s regularly-hampered midfield as Newcastle continue to juggle their squad in what is proving to already be a demanding campaign.

A move to St James’ Park could hand the 26-year-old an unlikely shot at Champions League football should the Magpies emerge from their testing group alongside Paris Saint-Germain, Borussia Dortmund and AC Milan.

The Portuguese star has reportedly become a target to replace Sandro TonaliCredit: Getty

Neves has not played in the competition since leaving Porto in 2017 and another stint in the Champions League could be enticing enough for the Portuguese to make the switch.

Amid the speculation, Neves sees his former employers go head-to head with Newcastle this weekend with Wolves looking to build on their three-match unbeaten run.

Meanwhile, Newcastle are aim to put Wednesday’s 1-0 defeat at home to Dortmund behind them when they head to Molineux on Saturday teatime.