Newcastle United could be in line for a surprise financial fair play boost that would supercharge their ambitions in the transfer market this summer.
On paper, Newcastle are the richest team in the world thanks to their Saudi benefactors. But Profit and Sustainability Rules mean they need to boost their income before they can spend big.
And with the Premier League ready to introduce a more restrictive set of curbs on spending over the summer, many fans are frustrated at what they perceive as a closed shop in the division’s upper reaches.
The squad cost control ratio would see clubs limited to spending up to 85 per cent of their turnover on signings, wages and agents’ fees, meaning Newcastle would have to bring costs down.
However, one club has proposed an alternative to the system which will be favoured by those at St James’ Park.
Proposal would see allowable losses under FFP raised to £135m
As reported by the The Times, Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish has suggested that the limit for allowable losses over three years to be hiked from £105m to £130m.
That would effectively mean that an extra £30m would be added to Newcastle’s playing budget overnight.
There are only three Premier League sides – Aston Villa and the two Manchester clubs – who are believed to be ready to vote against the squad cost control system.
But many have speculated that the wealthier clubs are backing the motion as they feel it is a foregone conclusion.
If a viable alternative is proposed, it would surely be favoured by the likes of Newcastle.
Do Newcastle have to sell before they buy this summer?
Analysis from Off The Pitch suggests that Newcastle are somewhere between £60m and £63m over the 70 per cent squad cost control ratio system.
Other estimations place the club in a slightly better position, but they will likely have to take a relatively restrained approach in the transfer market if it is that system which is introduced.
A season’s worth of Champions Legaue income will have enhanced their position somewhat too, as will their skyrocketting income.
Newcastle will not be forced to sell big-name stars like Alexander Isak or Bruno Guimaraes this summer, but they are not necessarily in a position to turn down huge offers either.