Dan Ashworth says Newcastle could be blocked from signing a replacement for Sandro Tonali from Saudi Arabia, as the club launch an internal investigation into why they did not know about the midfielder’s gambling addiction leading to a 10-month ban.
The sporting director said he could not comment on the prospect of legal action against AC Milan - who sold their captain for £52million in July - but all aspects of the case are being reviewed.
He also could not rule out the possibility of the Football Association looking into whether Tonali had broken betting rules since joining Newcastle.
Ashworth confirmed the 23-year-old has breached an element of his contract after admitting to illegal gambling as part of an investigation by Italian authorities.
It is thought Newcastle do have scope to reduce his £140,000-a-week wages while he cannot play for the club, although Ashworth was keen to stress how well the Italy international has conducted himself in recent weeks. He is now able to train with the team.
But during a 45-minute meeting with reporters at the club’s training ground on Friday, it was Ashworth’s revelation about the prospect of new Premier League legislation on related-party transfers that was especially telling.
Newcastle, 80 per cent owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, have been linked with a January loan move for the likes of Ruben Neves since Tonali’s ban. The former Wolves midfielder plays for PIF-owned Al Hilal, and Ashworth was asked if there is anything to stop Newcastle taking players from the Saudi Pro League.
‘Currently, no…’ he said, followed by a long pause.
So Premier League rivals will try to prevent it?
‘The current rules and regulations say there is nothing to stop it,’ he added. ‘Currently.
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