The Premier League has issued a stern reminder to all member clubs about the consequences of engaging in "fraudulent player transfers" during the summer transfer window, according to London World.
This warning follows unusual activities involving player-swap deals that have raised concerns among top-flight teams.
According to BBC Sport, the Premier League sent an email to clubs emphasizing that any attempts to manipulate transfers to stay within Profit & Sustainability Rules will be punished.
The league warned that any inflated transfer fees identified would be returned to the selling club.
Recent transfer activities have highlighted these concerns. Aston Villa, for example, sold Tim Iroegbunam to Everton for £9 million while acquiring Lewis Dobbin for £10 million.
Additionally, Chelsea are finalizing a £19 million deal for Villa midfielder Omari Kellyman, with Villa set to sign Ian Maatsen from Chelsea for an initial £37.5 million.
While no rules are suspected to be broken in these cases, the transactions show the league's vigilance.
Newcastle United are also involved in a potential double deal with Everton, with interest in Gambian teenager Yankuba Minteh and Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
These activities are taking place against the backdrop of the Profit & Sustainability Rules deadline on June 30th, when clubs must submit their financial accounts for the year.
The Premier League's crackdown comes after points deductions were imposed on Everton and Nottingham Forest last season for breaching financial regulations.
This has led to a scramble among clubs to finalize sales and stay compliant. In November, 12 clubs voted for a temporary ban on loan moves between teams under the same ownership to further enforce financial integrity.