Liverpool FC decision paves way for Newcastle to replace Manchester United-bound Dan Ashworth

Newcastle United could have been handed a clear path in their recruitment for Dan Ashworth replacement amid his imminent move to Manchester United.

Ashworth was placed on gardening leave amid his desire to become the inaugural sporting director at Old Trafford. The Reds officially made an approach to Newcastle last week as part of Sir Jim Ratcliffe's overhaul at the club.

Newcastle are said to want a figure ranging between £10million and £20m for Ashworth. Ratcliffe has branded Ashworth's gardening leave, which could serve until 2026, as "absurd" and "stupid".

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Eddie Howe has remained coy on Ashworth's move to United. It's understood that Newcastle are not in a rush to find Ashworth's successor and are prepared to go into the summer transfer window without a sporting director in place.

However, West Ham technical director Tim Steidten could be one of their priority targets when the time comes to replace Ashworth. According to journalist Ben Jacobs, the Hammers chief isn't in contention to become the new sporting director at Liverpool.

The Reds are searching for Jorg Schmadtke's replacement ahead of a huge summer at Anfield. Reports have claimed that Steidten was in the running for the job, due to his role in appointing Xabi Alonso as Bayer Leverkusen head coach in 2022, but it's now claimed he won't be joining Liverpool.

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Jacobs said: "Steidten, by the way, is not a candidate for Liverpool despite reports. So if he wants to leave West Ham and stay in the Premier League, he won't be going to Anfield. At