The 'Newcastle tax' is a phrase which has frustrated both the club and fans on a regular basis in recent months. The overnight transformation from frugal spenders into ambitious investors has led sellers to place an opportune premium on transfer targets.
The Magpies were forced to stand firm in their protracted pursuit of Sven Botman, with Lille reportedly attempting to raise the future Toon defender's asking price late in the day. Hugo Ekitike ultimately plumped for Paris Saint-Germain, but United had already stepped away from the deal due to the demands made from the forward's agent.
Newcastle's owners sanctioned a January spending spree in excess of £90 million, and deals for Botman, Nick Pope and Matt Targett will likely still be followed by at least one attacking recruit by the deadline next month. However, the richest club in the world moniker is one which Eddie Howe confirmed has inevitably resulted in 'elevated prices'.
