Mike Ashley could soon be hit with a huge TV bill after a recent Premier League meeting threw up the subject of rebates to Sky Sports and BT Sports.
The broadcasters are seeking repayment to the huge TV pot paid out to clubs earlier this season after the virus pandemic meant contractual obligations have gone unfulfilled.
Of course, the situation would no longer be Ashley's problem should the Premier League approve the Middle East takeover bid on the table for Amanda Staveley, the Reuben brothers and Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund.
But with Ashley hitting pause on spending at United during lockdown, mounting bills and the prospect of empty stands are the last things the Sports Direct magnate needs at the moment.
The Covid-19 crisis has meant a TV blackout in terms of live sport but clubs will have to foot some of the bill.
Clubs have now been informed of a £340m bill which must be repaid between all 20 sides in the top-flight and Newcastle could have to cough up between £10m-£30m depending on final positions.
The demand has been met swiftly by opposition from clubs, with Liverpool leading the way in terms of complaints.
However, the Premier League’s head of broadcasting, Paul Molnar, has advised all clubs to accept the demands and informed them they can be paid over the next two seasons.
If the Premier League reaches the final stage of Project Restart it would see the rest of the season spread out in a bumper broadcast package which could include games on the BBC.
