2nd Dec, 2021 | 1:26pm

Finance guru tips Newcastle to follow in Man City footsteps in January after Premier League talks held

The ambitions of Newcastle United in the January transfer window will not be affected by the Premier League’s related-party sponsor ban.

So says finance expert and new Football Insider columnist Doctor Dan Plumley, speaking exclusively about developments at Premier League HQ.

Per the Daily Mail last Friday (26 November), the top-flight voted to extend the moratorium on related-party sponsors until at least 14 December.

The two dissenting clubs, Newcastle and Man City, are claimed to have grudgingly agreed to the extension in recent rounds of virtual talks.

Newcastle’s new owners are keen to use their Saudi business connections to seal new commercial deals and boost their standing in financial fair play.

Plumley claims that the temporary ban will not hamper the Magpies in the January window, and they will find a long-term “workaround” in any case.

“I think there will be a vote to extend it as long as possible,” the Sheffield Hallam University expert told Football Insider‘s Adam Williams.

“I’m not sure if there is a particular date where they say it can’t be extended any longer. That is something that might drag on a little longer.

“In terms of January transfer spend, the club has room to manoeuvre in terms of FFP.

“That, ironically, is in thanks to Mike Ashley who left them in good shape financially. So there is that opportunity to spend in January.

“I think this block is a longer-term problem for Newcastle, potentially. But power, politics and global connections will come to the fore.

“We saw this from Man City in the past. They have been able to find workarounds, find new deals and grow commercially.

“They will be looking to find different ways of doing things in response to the temporary ban.”

Newcastle will be desperate to reinforce their garrison ahead of what looks like a relegation dogfight.

They are currently bottom of the league table after their 1-1 draw with fellow strugglers Norwich City on Tuesday (30 November).

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