Manchester United are closing in on the appointment of Dan Ashworth as their new sporting director.
According to a report from Football Insider, Manchester United have been in negotiations with Newcastle United for a while now as they look to secure the services of Dan Ashworth. While they haven’t secured an agreement yet, they could soon see a breakthrough following a new development at the Tyneside club.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the new part-owner of the Manchester-based club is looking to make key changes at important positions in the club. He has already made a few major changes having brought in a new CEO and a new technical director. Now, Ratcliffe looks keen to complete the appointment of Dan Ashworth.
He wants the former Newcastle chief to be their new sporting director and spearhead their transfer plans in the upcoming window. People from the club approached him at the start of the year and he agreed to make the move to Old Trafford.
United are closing in on Dan Ashworth
The 53-year-old informed the Magpies about his desire to leave and he has been on a gardening leave ever since. With his contract at Newcastle running until 2026, the Red Devils will have to pay compensation to complete his appointment.
The two clubs have been involved in negotiations over the past few months but they haven’t been able to reach a common ground. Reports suggest Newcastle want £20 million for the transfer guru, a fee that United have no intention of paying.
But, things could change soon and the Manchester-based club could see a breakthrough in negotiations in the near future as the Magpies are all set to appoint Crystal Palace chief Dougie Freedman as Ashworth’s replacement. They could announce his appointment just after the end of the season.
This development could pave the way for Ashworth to seal a move to United under the new INEOS regime. It could give the Red Devils the opportunity to finally strike a deal with the Magpies and it will be a huge boost as there is a possibility of him arriving just in time for the summer.
