Manchester United told huge Dan Ashworth compensation fee they must pay Newcastle United

Manchester United could end up paying Newcastle a significant fee if they bring Dan Ashworth in as their sporting director.

The Reds have made Ashworth their No.1 target in their hunt for a sporting director. The news comes since Sir David Brailsford's arrival at United and Sir Jim Ratcliffe's purchase of a 25% stake in the club which was ratified by the Premier League last week.

There was an official statement from United that read: "Sir Jim Ratcliffe's acquisition of 25 per cent of Manchester United FC, and further investment of $300 million in the club, has been approved by the Premier League Board following the completion of the Owners' and Directors' Test (OADT).

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"The Board agreed to the change of the club's ownership structure last week, and this has now been officially ratified by an Independent Oversight Panel."

The Ineos Group, which now oversees football operations at United, is so confident of prising Ashworth from Newcastle they have not sounded out alternatives for the post as he is their only target. The Manchester Evening News understands that Ashworth now wants to move into the role and he has now been placed on gardening leave.

When asked about Ashworth's future before Christmas, Newcastle manager Eddie Howe said: 'I've got no doubt that Dan is here for the long-term, but it's probably a question for Dan rather than me."

Newcastle prised the highly-regarded Ashworth away from Brighton, and he has been tasked with building the Magpies into a world force under their new Saudi ownership. They had to pay a hefty compensation fee to Brighton, and our sister