Having been quoted a transfer fee of £2m MORE for Dutch left-back Erik Pieters than Newcastle got for Enrique, Ashley has told Pardew to look elsewhere.
The Toon owner has given Pardew figures to work with, and once again Ashley wants his 'puppet' to go for youth ... and that seems to rule out interest in the availability of England left-back Wayne Bridge.
Bridge was Pardew's top choice but Ashley has made it clear he will not pay a transfer fee for a player in his 30's, knowing he won't get a re-sell figure in return.
Ashley has written out his new financial strategy, with a cap on wages and transfers that are guaranteed to bring in money when the player moves on.
Erik Pieters wants £30,000 a week and Ashley won't pay it, so we hear Lyon’s Aly Cissokho was supposed to be a cheaper option ... but that is not the case ... Lyon wan £8m!
The 31-year-old Bridge made 18 appearances for West Ham last season and Manchester City want him off the books before the transfer window slams shut at the end of the month.