Dan Ashworth is poised to depart from Newcastle United, as the Tyneside club has placed their sports director on a temporary leave from his duties. The 52-year-old is currently at the top of Manchester United’s list for the position of their new sports director, and Ashworth has agreed to make the move to Old Trafford. Talks regarding compensation are expected to take place in the near future, according to reports from Fabrizio Romano.
Newcastle is reportedly seeking a fee of £20m for Ashworth, although Manchester United has no intention of meeting this figure and will attempt to negotiate a lower amount. The club’s new co-owners, INEOS, are actively assembling a formidable behind-the-scenes team, and Ashworth is the latest piece of the puzzle. He has successfully enticed Omar Berrada from Manchester City to assume the role of CEO at Old Trafford.
Ashworth, who has served as sporting director at St James’ Park for a period of 20 months, is highly regarded in his field. Prior to his tenure at Newcastle, he achieved notable success at Brighton. Joining Manchester United would be a significant accomplishment for both Ashworth and the club, provided that the compensation issue can be resolved. Newcastle, however, is determined not to let him go without a substantial fee.
According to the Source caughtoffside.com