Newcastle target Ross McCormack's agent faces ban over Leeds United illegal payment charge '“ as ace wants Premier League move

The agent of Newcastle United target Ross McCormack could face a suspension from football over claims he received an illegal payment from Leeds United.
Ross McCormackRoss McCormack
Ross McCormack

Leeds and McCormack’s licensed agent, Derek Day, are accused of breaching the Football Association’s agent regulations during the Scotland international’s multi-million pound move from Elland Road to Fulham in 2014.

The charges surround a payment of £185,000 which Leeds agreed to make to Day following the reported £10.75m sale of McCormack in July 2014.

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United and owner Massimo Cellino are accused of agreeing to pay that fee to Day, knowing that the agent – who runs Glasgow-based firm Shadow Brands – intended to pass the money to Scottish boxing promoter Barry Hughes, an advisor of McCormack’s.

Hughes is not licensed by the FA and the organisation’s rules on agents state that “a club must not directly or indirectly make any payments to any unauthorised agent in respect of any agency activity”.

McCormack himself is not accused of wrongdoing but Elland Road owner Cellino and Day could face suspensions from football when they learn their fate later this week, after the deadline for responses to the allegations passed on Friday.

McCormack has been heavily linked with a move to Newcastle, who are preparing for life in the Championship under Rafa Benitez.

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The Scotland international scored 23 goals for struggling Fulham last season, and was previously linked with the Magpies two years ago.

However, the 29-year-old has admitted he would prefer a move to the Premier League this summer.

He said: “I want to be playing in the Premiership.

I never, ever think to myself I should be playing in the Premiership because there are so many good players playing there.

“You’re a little bit envious because they’re playing against the best players in the world and I’m a tier below them.

“It’s been something in my mind as the years have gone by. I will be 30 in August so time’s running out.

“I don’t know if I’ll ever get that opportunity but it’s something that I’d love to do.”