Manchester United are reportedly close to striking a deal with Newcastle for Dan Ashworth.
Soon after Sir Jim Ratcliffe completed his 27.7% partial investment into United in February, all attention for the 71-year-old and INEOS shifted towards implementing a “best-in-class” football structure.
Already, the Red Devils had secured the services of Omar Berrada from Manchester City to come in as the club’s next CEO and Richard Arnold’s long-term successor.
United’s new co-owners then identified Ashworth as their number one target for a maiden sporting director role at Old Trafford.
Eager to seal a switch to United and spearhead Ratcliffe’s project, Ashworth informed his Newcastle bosses of his wish. Clearly irked by his stance and United’s interest in Ashworth, the Magpies responded by placing him on immediate gardening leave. Since then, United have held talks with their Premier League rivals but nothing has borne fruit.
It was stated that Ratcliffe even reached out to Newcastle co-owner Amanda Staveley in an attempt to find a solution but it appears that those negotiations were equally unproductive. It’s believed that Eddie Howe’s side were demanding an unrealistic compensation package worth up to £20 million to let their executive circumvent his notice period and start work at United immediately. On their part, INEOS made it crystal clear they had no intention of forking out such a sum for non-playing personnel.
A report covered by The Peoples Person relayed that Newcastle slightly reduced their asking price to £15 million plus add-ons for their transfer and recruitment guru but even then, United were only willing to part with £3 million.
It was thought that United would most likely have to wait nine months to land Ashworth but according to ESPN, the 20-time English champions may finally be on the brink of getting their man.
The newspaper reveals, “Manchester United are close to reaching a settlement with Newcastle United to appoint Dan Ashworth as their new sporting director, a source has told ESPN.”
“Ashworth has been on leave since February after informing Newcastle United he wants to make the switch to Old Trafford. Newcastle have been holding firm for a compensation fee of around £20 million and, according to a source, the two clubs are nearing an agreement.”
“Man United declined to comment on the situation when asked to comment by ESPN, but a source did say the club is hoping to avoid an arbitration hearing to resolve the matter.”
It remains to be seen whether Ashworth will be in place just in time to have an influence on United’s activities and movements in the current summer transfer window.
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