Premier League sends 'major warning' to clubs over PSR 'loophole transfers' following controversial deals

Premier League clubs have been handed a warning over summer transfers that could be seen as an attempt to bypass Profitability and Sustainability rules (PSR).

Multiple clubs face pressure in complying with the PSR rules including Chelsea, Everton and Aston Villa for the 2023/24 season.

All three clubs have been involved in transfer talks with each other this summer.

Lewis Dobbin swapped Goodison Park for Villa Park while Aston Villa academy product Tim Iroegbunam moved the other way in a deal believed to be worth £9m.

Villa are also locked in talks with Chelsea over a deal to sign home-grown defender Ian Maatsen with 18-year-old Omari Kellyman heading the other way to Stamford Bridge.

The Times report clubs have been made aware that charging other highly inflated fees to circumvent PSR rules would potentially be an issue for the league and a potential breach of the regulations.

Its rule B15 states: “In all matters and transactions relating to the league each club, official and director shall behave towards each other club, official, director and the league with the utmost good faith. For the avoidance of doubt and by way of example only, it shall be a breach of the duties under this rule to act dishonestly towards the league or another club; or engage in conduct that is intended to circumvent these rules or obstruct the board’s investigation of compliance with them.”

Tim Iroegbunam has joined Everton and made one start in the Premier League last season (Getty)

Transfers must make financial sense for both clubs involved in the deal when it comes to complying with the June 30 PSR deadline.

Clubs are obliged to act in good faith towards each other and the league.

The report adds Everton have offered star forward Dominic Calvert-Lewin to Newcastle and are interested in Magpies winger Yankuba Minteh who spent last season working under new Liverpool manager Arne Slot at Feyenoord.

Minteh is wanted by other clubs around Europe and Newcastle are believed to be concerned about Calvert-Lewin’s recent injury troubles which could jeopardise any deal.