Newcastle United will demand hefty compensation if Manchester United try to snare Dan Ashworth away from St. James’ Park in the coming months, but for now, there is no internal panic at the club around their sporting director’s future, according to The Athletic.
Ashworth has been a key figure behind the scenes since his arrival as the sporting director of Newcastle from Brighton in May 2022.
He has played a major role in Newcastle’s recruitment, which has been lauded for its precise nature.
However, there is real fear that Newcastle could lose Ashworth to Premier League rivals Manchester United in the coming months.
And it has been claimed that the Magpies would demand a seven-figure fee if Manchester United decide to approach the 52-year-old.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s 25 per cent takeover of Manchester United will take another four to six weeks to complete so Ashworth will be in charge of Newcastle for the January transfer window.
But there are no guarantees beyond that and Newcastle are prepared for an approach from Old Trafford.
Ashworth has close ties with Sir Dave Brailsford, who will be joining the Manchester United board in the next month or so.
He has also not distanced himself from the rumours and there is suspicion amongst Newcastle fans that he could be off to Old Trafford soon.
But for the moment there is no real panic inside Newcastle about the sporting director’s future.
Ashworth would have to go on a period of gardening leave if he decides to move from Newcastle to Manchester United.
