Premier League clubs refusing to do transfer business with Newcastle
By Tom Gott
A number of Premier League sides are expected to refuse to do business with Newcastle United amid concerns over the ethics of their Saudi-led takeover.
Clubs demanded an emergency meeting after approval of the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund's blockbuster takeover, with many executives known to be concerned by links between the PIF and the Saudi state, which has come under immense criticism over allegations of human rights breaches.
The dust may have settled, but those concerns remain and The Telegraph state there are still some Premier League clubs who have sworn not to do business with Newcastle in upcoming transfer windows as a result.
“Newcastle will find it hard to buy players from some Premier League clubs in January because they would rather see them relegated than take their cash. Some clubs just won’t sell to them," an industry expert is quoted as saying.
Newcastle boss Eddie Howe will be backed financially in January and moves for some experienced Premier League players are being discussed, but a general unwillingness from some un-naled club to listen to their offers could complicate things.
On top of ethical concerns over the source of Newcastle's money, there are plenty of Premier League teams who are worried about the sheer financial strength of the Magpies and are keen to see them relegated to delay their push for domestic domination.
Newcastle have been tipped to move for the likes of Tottenham's Harry Winks, Chelsea's Ross Barkley, Manchester United's Jesse Lingard and Burnley's James Tarkowski.
The Tarkowski interest could be fascinating to watch. The 28-year-old is out of contract at Burnley in the summer and would walk for free if he isn't sold in January, but the Clarets are unlikely to sell a star defender to another team battling relegation from the Premier League.
It's suggested that Newcastle could be forced to look for Premier League experience from overseas, with Atletico Madrid right-back Kieran Trippier touted as a possible option.