Newcastle United star Joelinton is back on the radar for the Saudi Pro League, with powerful clubs now very much looking into a possible deal in the January window \u2013 and sources have revealed why a transfer could be possible, despite Eddie Howe\u2019s reticence.<\/p>\n
The Brazil international midfielder moved to St James\u2019 Park in a then club-record deal from Bundesliga side Hoffenheim for a fee of \u00a340m (\u20ac45.8m, $49.6m) in July 2019. Signed initially as a forward, it was Howe\u2019s decision to convert the now 29-year-old into an all-action midfielder for Newcastle<\/a>, which has reaped serious dividends.<\/p>\n Now very well established as a huge crowd favourite on Tyneside, and having racked up some 241 appearances for the Magpies, Joelinton<\/a> is contracted to St James\u2019 Park until June 30, 2028.<\/p>\n However, sources have suggested there is a possibility that his time at Newcastle could be drawing to a close, with the eight-time capped star back on the radar of clubs in the Saudi Pro League.<\/p>\n Indeed, we can confirm that clubs in the Pro League enquired about Joelinton in the summer, and made some inroads over a potential deal.<\/p>\n Ultimately, it was decided that a deal was not seen as viable by Newcastle at that time.<\/p>\n Now the Pro League are again make enquiries at Newcastle\u2019s end and the fact the Tyneside giants are PIF-owned does help them in the quest to bring the 29-year-old to the Gulf State\u2026<\/p>\n Want more breaking transfer lines from original sources? Add TEAMtalk as a preferred source on Google <\/a>to your favourites list for news you can trust.<\/p>\n What is Eddie Howe\u2019s stance on Joelinton\u2019s exit?<\/p>\n While a concrete offer has yet to arrive at St James\u2019 Park for the star, we understand that Newcastle would consider a permanent deal for the player and despite Howe having made it clear to the board that he does not want to weaken his squad in the New Year.<\/p>\n But we\u2019re informed that if Newcastle promised to spend the money on one, or even two new faces, we are told it is something that would be considered and could yet get the green light if all the conditions were right.<\/p>\n Newcastle have bolstered their midfield options with Jacob Ramsey arriving last summer in a big-money deal, whilst they also spent big on Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa.<\/p>\n While the club are in a sound keel financially, the chance to recoup big money for a player who will see his value start dropping as his deal runs down and when he turns the wrong side of 30 in August will likely see the club consider his sale.<\/p>\n The midfielder, currently nursing a groin strain and having missed the last three matches, will face a late fitness check to see if he can make the squad to face Manchester United on Boxing Day.<\/p>\n However, the player\u2019s performances have drawn some criticism this season, with his usual high-energy displays having seemingly dropped off on occasions this season.<\/p>\n Indeed, on his last start for Newcastle \u2013 against Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League \u2013 the player won just two of nine duels, and with journalist Mark\u00a0Douglas also having stated that the lethargic South American looked\u00a0\u201cnowhere near his best\u201d\u00a0back in October.<\/p>\n Newcastle round-up: Howe keen on Ajax star; Man Utd chase Toon star<\/p>\n Meanwhile, multiple sources have confirmed Newcastle are one of three Premier League clubs interested in Ajax prospect Youri Baas<\/a>.<\/p>\n Elsewhere, it\u2019s been claimed that Manchester United\u00a0have serious concerns over the long-term future of Patrick Dorgu, and a report claims a Newcastle ace could be signed as a replacement and converted into a left wingback<\/a>.<\/p>\n We also revealed last week how\u00a0a Bayern Munich star\u2019s representatives are talking to a number of clubs ahead of the January window, and he is on track to move to England amid interest from Newcastle United and Crystal Palace<\/a>, we can reveal.<\/p>\n