Newcastle United are wary that Dan Ashworth has already made up his mind about joining Manchester United, according to ESPN.
Ashworth is the number one target for Manchester United as their new minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe seeks to bring in a new sporting director.
Manchester United are expected to make a formal approach for him soon and would likely have to pay a big fee to extract him from his contract at Newcastle.
The Magpies are planning to hold talks with their sporting director in the coming weeks and seek clarification over his plans.
However, it has been claimed that Newcastle fear that the 52-year-old has already made up his mind.
There are suggestions that Ashworth is open to working in the revamped structure under Ratcliffe and INEOS at Old Trafford.
Newcastle are wary that he has already decided to move to Old Trafford in the coming months.
Lengthy gardening leave would mean Manchester United could have to wait until next year to see Ashworth assume his role.
It remains to be seen whether Ratcliffe is prepared to pay more to Newcastle to forego the gardening leave or notice period for Ashworth.
