Newcastle United Sporting Director Dan Ashworth has asked to leave the club this Sunday evening, reports David Ornstein.
The 52-year-old has been a target for Manchester United, who are in the process of revamping their footballing operations under the stewardship of INEOS founder Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the billionaire having acquired a 25% stake in the Old Trafford club.
Dan Ashworth On The Verge Of Leaving Newcastle United
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A Potentially Huge Move For The Red Devils
Although there has as yet been no official Manchester United approach for Ashworth, it is thought that it is only a matter of time. Newcastle United would want significant compensation to the tune of £20 million to release Ashworth from his contract on Tyneside, with the alternative being that the former Brighton director be placed on gardening leave with his full salary paid by the PIF-owned club.
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It would be the second significant appointment behind the scenes at Old Trafford, the Red Devils having already secured a major coup in recruiting former Manchester City CEO Omar Berrada back in December.
A Bitter Pill For Newcastle
Losing him would be a huge blow to Newcastle United. He is an astute and “highly-respected” Sports Director responsible for the shrewd early recruitment that has characterised the club’s first years under Saudi ownership, masterminding the signings of the likes of Bruno Guimaraes from Lyon, Alexander Isak from Real Sociedad and Sven Botman from Lille and thus playing a huge part in Eddie Howe’s side qualifying for the Champions League for the first time in 20 years at the end of last season.
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Before that, he was instrumental in re-shaping Brighton’s recruitment policy, and also fulfilled a role with the English FA earlier in the last decade, helping to revamp the men’s and women’s national team set ups.
Manchester United are expected to make contact with Ashworth in due course. He is aware of their interest and would be keen on taking up a role in the Manchester United revolution happening under Ratcliffe.
