Newcastle announce departure of Dan Ashworth but Manchester United must pay up to poach highly-rated sporting director

Newcastle United have announced the departure of sporting director Dan Ashworth ahead of his move to Manchester United.

The highly-rated executive is expected to be poached by new Red Devils co-owner Jim Ratcliffe as part of his backroom reshuffle.

However, Ashworth has been put on gardening leave, and is unable to take a new job until 2026, unless Manchester United pay extra.

In a statement the Magpies said: "Newcastle United can announce that Dan Ashworth has commenced a period of gardening leave."

CEO Darren Eales added: «We are naturally disappointed that Dan has chosen to leave, however our exciting journey doesn't stop and the process to recruit a new sporting director will begin immediately.

»We thank Dan for his efforts at Newcastle United and we wish him and his family well for the future."

Newcastle are looking for significant compensation should Ashworth head back into employment, with a fee of £10million quoted.

There is likely to be an agreement found between the two Premier League rivals, with Ratcliffe wanting the former England and Brighton technical director to head up their summer spending.

Ratcliffe, the Monaco-based INEOS billionaire, purchased 25 per cent of his boyhood club's shares on December 24, and he's since received Premier League and Football Association ownership approval.

Erik ten Hag's side were inactive in the January transfer window in terms of incomings, but are expected to be busy in the summer after a number of changes at boardroom level.

The deal is widely regarded as a huge coup, with Ashworth playing his part in England becoming regular challengers at major tournaments, and Brighton transforming into a top-half Premier League team and masters of the transfer market.

He's also been credited