Man Utd target Dan Ashworth 'wants to JOIN as their inaugural sporting director'

Newcastle sporting director Dan Ashworth reportedly wants to leave St James' Park for Manchester United.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS are trying to implement radical change behind the scenes at Old Trafford, having already poached Omar Berrada from Manchester City to be their CEO.

The Premier League approved Ratcliffe's 25 per cent buy-out on Tuesday and full ratification is expected next week with FA approval.

Ashworth, who used to work for Brighton, has emerged as their one and only target for the inaugural position as sporting director at Old Trafford.

And according to the Manchester Evening News, the transfer guru is keen to defect from the Magpies and join the new operation in the North West.

The report goes on to claim that Ratcliffe is so confident of getting his man that no alternatives have been contacted for the role.

Ashworth brings 24 years of experience from Peterborough, Cambridge, West Brom, the FA, Brighton, and Newcastle.

He was technical director for the Seagulls from spring 2019, helping to oversee a revolution in the club's playing style and recruitment with Graham Potter as manager.

Ashworth joined Newcastle in June 2022. His departure from the AMEX Stadium saw him put on gardening leave for an extended period of time while his initial move to St James' Park was negotiated.

Last month, Mail Sport reported that Newcastle were confident they could keep Ashworth, with chief executive Darren Eales emphasising how 'happy' he is with the Toon.

Ratcliffe, who completed his £1.3billion buy-out of a 25 per cent stake in the club in December, wants to change football operations.

That includes using a data-led approach, chasing younger players in the market, and taking a scythe to Erik ten Hag's influence over transfers.