Newcastle ‘want to impose a rare transfer ban against one Premier League rival to stop them signing their star players this summer’

Newcastle are considering a rare move to ban a Premier League rival from signing any of their players this summer, according to reports. 

The Magpies have had a tough campaign and are languishing in mid-table after failing to re-produce their excellent last season under Eddie Howe that saw them clinch a place in the Champions League by finishing fourth. 

Newcastle have also been hit by a spate of injuries to stifle their progress – as well as losing new signing Sandro Tonali to a ten-month ban.

At the start of this year, the Magpies were then dealt another set-back after news that Manchester United were pursuing their sporting director Dan Ashworth, with the former West Brom and England chief placed on gardening leave. 

Now the club are mulling over making an unusual move amid fears they could lose some big names in the summer to further derail their development. 

Newcastle United – led by boss Eddie Howe (L) want to impose a transfer ban against a Premier League rival after losing sporting director Dan Ashworth (R)

The Magpies have had a difficult season and fear they could lose star players this summer

According to iNews, Newcastle want to insert a ‘transfer ban’ clause in Ashworth’s contract at Old Trafford to prevent him from bringing any of the club’s players with him. 

Ashworth’s move to United is still yet to be confirmed, with discussions still on-going as new chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe continues to stamp his mark on the club following his 27.7 per cent investment.

Omar Berrada has been made the club’s new CEO after being snatched from rivals Manchester City while Sir Dave Brailsford has also joined to work under Ratcliffe.

Mail Sport confirmed that Ashworth had informed Newcastle of his wish to join United last month, with Magpies placing him on temporary leave while agreeing a compensation figure.

The Magpies want to insert a clause in Ashworth’s contract at Man United to stop him bringing any players with him – as Sir Jim Ratcliffe (L) prepares to recruit him

That period of gardening leave would take him towards the January transfer window of 2026, meaning United will have to negotiate an enhanced compensation fee to release him early – or wait for his leave to expire. 

Newcastle’s chief executive Darren Eales said at the time: ‘We are naturally disappointed that Dan has chosen to leave. However, our exciting journey doesn’t stop and the process to recruit a new sporting director will begin immediately.

‘We thank Dan for his efforts at Newcastle United and we wish him and his family well for the future.’ 

Should Ashworth’s move be confirmed, he will be charged with leading the restructuring of football operations at Old Trafford under the new part-ownership of Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos group. His key responsibility will be recruitment.