Newcastle United 'receive email' from Premier League after failing to secure £77m double deal

The correspondence has been issued as a reminder to all top-flight sides that they will face punishment if found guilty amid so-called player-swap deals that have been taking place.

BBC Sport has reported that the email from the Premier League was sent out following unusual activity in the transfer window, which has involved clubs selling, or attempting to sell, players to each other. It is an issue that at least one top-flight club planned to raise with the Premier League.

The concerns came amid suggestions the swap deals between clubs would allow them to remain within Profit & Sustainability Rules. The Premier League’s letter warns that a transfer fee would be returned to the selling club if the top-flight lawmakers decide the deal has been “inflated”.

Aston Villa have sanctioned the sale of two players so far this window, with Tim Iroegbunam joining Everton for £9 million, while Lewis Dobbin went in the opposite direction for a reported £10 million. Chelsea are also set to complete the signing of Villa midfielder Omari Kellyman in a £19 million move, while Unai Emery’s side will welcome Ian Maatsen from Stamford Bridge in a deal worth an initial £37.5m. There is no suggestion that any of the clubs involved have breached any of the Premier League’s rules.

Meanwhile, Newcastle have also been in talks with Everton over a double deal with Yankuba Minteh going to Everton for £40m with Dominic Calvert-Lewin moving in the opposite direction for £37m. Talks, however, stalled earlier this week.

While there is plenty of time left for clubs to do business on the transfer market, the Profit and Sustainability Rules deadline is just two days away. On June 30th, the financial year will come to an end and clubs must submit their accounts. After Everton and Nottingham Forest were clamped down on last season and issued with points deductions, clubs are scrambling to finalise last-minute sales in order to avoid being in breach of PSR.

As the Premier League looks to clamp down on their Profit & Sustainability Rules, clubs have been seeking ways to operate within the structure. Back in November, 12 clubs voted in favour of a temporary ban on loan moves between teams under the same ownership.