Newcastle could have January business 'blocked' by Premier League rivals - Report

Our Saudi-backed owners may be forced to shop on the continent this summer as fellow Premier League clubs are plan to form a pact against Newcastle United, according to the Daily Mail.

The report claims that a host of Premier League rivals have 'pledged' not to trade with the new owners on Tyneside, meaning we could struggle to sign any proven players ready to help us avoid relegation.

A number of players in the top flight have been strongly linked with moves to Tyneside, including Burnley’s James Tarkowski and Man Utd’s Jesse Lingard, however it seems we may be forced to shop elsewhere.

It seems a cunning, never-before-seen plan to help relegate a specific team could be pieced together in the aftermath of our £300million Saudi-backed takeover, which clearly infuriated rival clubs.

Last week 18 of the 19 other top flight sides passed a rule to block us from striking a commercial deal with any company that has links to the Saudi state.

Ironically, Brighton’s home clash with Man City on Saturday night featured pitch-side advertising for, you guessed it… the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.

If this report is to be believed, it seems we may have to dip into the European market to have the best possible chance of maintaining our Premier League status.

Maybe it’s time to revisit the shelved anti-competition case?