Newcastle United managing director Lee Charnley is now running transfers alone during the club's furlough period.
The Evening Chronicle says Mike Ashley took the decision to temporarily lay off a significant number of his work force amid the virus pandemic.
This included his scouting team with head of recruitment Steve Nickson and European scouts Paul Baker and Mick Tait all furloughed.
With the scouting department shutting down at teatime last night, talent spotters are now not even allowed to work from home or take part in any video scouting missions.
It is is true that future deals were still at a delicate stage for this summer.
But Charnley and Toon head coach Steve Bruce will now have to deal with any correspondence.