‘Behind the scenes’ - Newcastle United ‘transfer ban’ discussed as Dan Ashworth saga lingers on

Former Everton and Aston Villa CEO Keith Wyness has dismissed suggestions Newcastle United can place a transfer ban on Manchester United.

Having been in charge of several Premier League clubs, Wyness knows that unofficial attempts to block moves once a manager or director leaves are unworkable in reality. For Newcastle, that situation may present itself should Dan Ashworth finally jump ship.

Toon chiefs are yet to agree a compensation package with the Red Devils for the 53-year-old. Ashworth signalled his intention to leave in February to join the Ineos-backed rebuild at Old Trafford.

Even if the move broke down, Ashworth’s position remains untenable at Newcastle as they are already appointing a successor. There has been no suggestion Man United want any Magpies players but that may change should Ashworth arrive.

The sporting director will know the ins and outs of every player at Newcastle - including contract details. That is why gardening leave was considered appropriate to block Ashworth from the club’s preparations for the summer transfer window.

Ex-Everton and Villa supremo Wyness believes any attempt to stop Man United from poaching players would prove “disastrous” for Newcastle. He said: “I’ve been in situations where agreements like that have been discussed. “Clubs take a manager and you try and implement a transfer ban to make it so they can’t come back and raid the squad for a certain amount of time.

“But in the end, it’s unworkable, it’s disastrous. Agents will work behind the scenes to agitate for moves. Really, it’s not the way to go about it. 

“Ashworth should be in place at Man United. He’s got a lot of hard work ahead of him in this summer window. If you can’t meet the compensation value, then something isn’t quite right in this whole decision-making process.”