Newcastle United are not to be messed with.
Indeed, while this season has offered something of a reality check for Newcastle, owners PIF have proven they remain strong players in the European football scene.
They have constantly briefed they will not be making any knee-jerk reactions when it comes to Eddie Howe’s future at St James’ Park despite an often-turbulent campaign.
Furthermore, they have reportedly stressed that the likes of top talents in Alexander Isak and Sven Botman simply won’t be sold despite FFP issues continuing to loom.
Newcastle remain a force, even if they’ve been brought back down to earth this season.
Despite the millions and billions of the ownership, they’ve also proven they will not be held to ransom.
They’ve set a clear precedent in not overspending, pulling out of deals for Hugo Ekitike and Jesse Lingard when costs came too expensive.
Even when individuals at Newcastle want to leave, PIF don’t make it easy.
Dan Ashworth, after all, has been placed on gardening leave amid interest from Manchester United in the sporting director.
The two clubs are believed to be locked in talks over a compensation deal and journalist Ben Jacobs has now provided an update amid claims Newcastle are looking for as much as £20m.
What is now off the table for Newcastle and Manchester United this summer
Speaking on the NUFC Matters Show posted on YouTube, Jacobs said the Old Trafford giants have accepted Ashworth will not play a role in their summer recruitment plans, meaning the reported £20m Newcastle are chasing is off the table.
“I think it’s very, very unlikely that Manchester United now will proceed with Ashworth for this summer and that takes this £20m number off the table,” he said.
“Manchester United sources have always told me that they never intended to pay that amount anyway.”
Who will replace Dan Ashworth as Newcastle sporting director?
There have been a number of links with various names, including a high-profile one in legend of the game, Paolo Maldini.
Still, the club are reportedly considering handing chief scout Steve Nickson – who is said to have impressed a lot of people behind the scenes – a promotion into that role.
It’s believed that Newcastle are currently preparing for Nickson to oversee their transfer plans this summer.
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