Newcastle United has been given the green light to sign players on loan from the Saudi Pro League after a vote by Premier League clubs on a temporary ban on related-party loans failed to pass.

The proposed ban, which would have prevented clubs from signing players on loan from teams under the same ownership, was supported by 13 out of 20 Premier League clubs. However, it fell one vote short of the required majority to be implemented.

Newcastle United, owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, could potentially sign players from Saudi Pro League clubs such as Al-Nassr, Al-Hilal, Al-Ahli, and Al-Ittihad.

PIF, which also owns 80% of Newcastle United, acquired four of the leading Saudi Arabian clubs in June.

Newcastle manager Eddie Howe has previously expressed his openness to signing players from Saudi Arabia if allowed.

“I’m open to signing anyone if they are good enough,” Howe said in November.

One player linked with a move to Newcastle is former Wolves captain Ruben Neves, who joined Al-Hilal for £47m in June.

Neves, 26, could help Newcastle fill the midfield gap created by Sandro Tonali’s 10-month ban for breaching betting rules.

PIF, governed by Newcastle chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan, has assets of £250bn, making Newcastle one of the richest clubs in the world.