Mike Ashley has reinstated Newcastle United’s controversial transfer policy after a series of no-holds-barred meetings with the Magpies’ hierarchy this week.

The owner has put his foot down midway through the transfer window and taken measures to have a greater say over the comings and goings at St James’ Park.

Ashley made a surprise appearance before the FA Cup tie at Birmingham City last weekend, and made it clear he wanted to sign youngsters who would have sell-on value in the future.

Newcastle recruited 10 players, with Bournemouth’s Matt Ritchie and Dwight Gayle the most high-profile, as boss Rafa Benitez was given free rein.

And his team responded by shooting to the top of the early-season Championship table before being overtaken by Brighton.

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(Image: The Chronicle)

Benitez had a £30million transfer surplus after selling Moussa Sissoko to Spurs and Georginio Wijnaldum, but Ashley wants to return to the policy of buying young players with promise.

He has left managing director Lee Charnley in no doubt as to his wishes and former recruitment guru Graham Carr is set for a direct role in all future purchases.

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Benitez himself wanted just one new face during this window – he was looking for cover for Christian Atsu, who has departed on Africa Cup of Nations duty.

“It’s not an easy window,” said Benitez.

(Image: PA Wire)

“We had our targets but when you start talking to clubs it’s almost impossible because they ask for big money or don’t want to sell. We tried and clubs were telling us, ‘No, he’s not for sale,’ or ‘he’s £20m’.”

It now appears that Ashley is unhappy with the current way that the club’s recruitment is working.

He followed up his meeting at Birmingham with further instructions during midweek and is determined that his wishes are followed.