EXCLUSIVE: Dan Ashworth Asks Newcastle For Permission To Speak To Manchester United
Manchester United are set to approach Dan Ashworth after making him their top target for the role of sporting director. The Red Devils have yet to make the move, but it is anticipated as something they will look to do in the coming weeks. United are heavily interested in the Newcastle man, and Ashworth has a connection with Sir Dave Brailsford, who will be working behind the scenes at the Manchester side.
We understand Dan Ashworth has asked Newcastle United for permission to speak to Manchester United, as he looks to secure a move to join the new-look setup at the club being built by INEOS. Omar Berrada has already been appointed to the club from Manchester City, and Ashworth is now looking to be the second high-profile name to leave a huge English club to join the Red Devils.
United are yet to make their formal approach, but it’s unlikely to be too far away as they look to wrap up the deal. Ashworth is expected to undergo gardening leave and is unlikely to be in charge at Old Trafford until next season should any deal get over the line. Newcastle will be reluctant to lose a man who has been a pivotal part in the rebuild of the club.
If the Red Devils were to land Ashworth, it would be seen as a major coup inside the football world. He has been responsible for the signings of Alexander Isak, Sven Botman and Anthony Gordon at Newcastle, with all three going on to be huge signings for the Magpies. He was also successful at Brighton and had a huge hand in the signing of Moises Caicedo, Marc Cucurella, Kaoru Mitoma and Leandro Trossard.
Manchester United are also expected to appoint a head of recruitment alongside a sporting director, so the likelihood is that Ashworth will not be the final major appointment at the club in the coming weeks. INEOS are expected to get approval from the FA in the coming weeks after they were officially granted approval from the Premier League regarding the takeover last night.
Dougie Freedman from Crystal Palace has been a name mentioned, as well as Paul Mitchell, who recently left his post at AS Monaco. Michael Edwards from Liverpool was also of interest, but it’s unlikely he will be one the appointed.
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