Newcastle ‘want to impose transfer ban against a Premier League rival’

According to rumours, Newcastle is thinking of taking the unusual step of forbidding a Premier League competitor from signing any of their players this summer.

The Magpies are mired in mid-table after a difficult season and failing to replicate their stellar performance under Eddie Howe in the previous campaign, which saw them finish fourth and secure a spot in the Champions League.

In addition to losing recent acquisition Sandro Tonali to a ten-month suspension, Newcastle has also suffered a slew of injuries that have hindered their development.

Then, at the beginning of this year, the Magpies suffered yet another blow when it was revealed that Manchester United was interested in their sporting director, Dan Ashworth, who had been placed on gardening leave after leading West Brom and England.

The team is now considering making a bold decision out of concern that losing some major players in the summer could further impede their progress.

After being lured away from rivals Manchester City, Omar Berrada was appointed the club’s new CEO, and Sir Dave Brailsford also joined to serve under Ratcliffe.

According to Mail Sport, Ashworth told Newcastle last month that he wanted to join United, and the Magpies agreed on a compensation amount and put Ashworth on temporary leave.

He would be closer to the January transfer window of 2026 during that gardening leave time, so United would need to either wait for his leave to expire or agree to an increased compensation price in order to release him sooner.

At the time, Darren Eales, the CEO of Newcastle, stated, “We are naturally disappointed that Dan has chosen to leave.” But our thrilling journey is far from over, and we will soon start the process of finding a new sporting director.

“We appreciate Dan’s efforts at Newcastle United and send our best wishes for his and his family’s future.”

If Ashworth’s relocation is approved, he will be responsible for overseeing the reorganisation of Old Trafford’s football operations under the new Ineos business, which Sir Jim Ratcliffe is part-owner of. His main duty will be hiring new employees.

FOR MORE NEWS CLICK HERE