‘The deal smells’ - Premier League ‘set’ for rule change after controversial Newcastle United transfer

Toon chiefs were left scrambling around on June 30 to avoid a potential points deduction. FFP/PSR restrictions reared their ugly head, with the Magpies were forced to sell Elliot Anderson and Yankuba Minteh.

As part of the Anderson deal, Nottingham Forest’s backup goalkeeper Vlachodimos headed in the opposite direction for a reported £20million. This is the highest fee Newcastle have paid for a goalkeeper despite him failing to make the bench this season.

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The move mirrored ones made by other clubs to get around financial restrictions. Eyebrows were also raised when Chelsea sold Ian Maatsen to Aston Villa for £38million. Unproven novice Omari Kellyman went the other way for around £20million.

Ex-Toffees chief Wyness claimed the Vlachodimos deal “smells” and clubs will soon vote to block similar transfers. He told Football Insider: “Newcastle are one of the prime candidates for creative accounting around some of their PSR deals. They aren’t the only ones. Villa, Everton and Forest all got involved. 

“No doubt, it’s within the rules. But I’d expect some potential rule changes at the end of next summer if the clubs decide that’s what they want in the meeting. I think that’ll be on the cards. The Vlachodimos deal smells of PSR, all the way. The rulebook is the rulebook, and if you’re within the rules then you can go ahead and do it.

“It isn’t for the Premier League to take decisions outside of the rulebook. The clubs will have to vote to change those rules. It’s a case of 20 shareholders, and they are the only ones who can change the rules - the league can only impose them.”