Newcastle send message to Sir Jim Ratcliffe over Manchester United target Dan Ashworth

Newcastle are 'hopeful' their sporting director Dan Ashworth will turn down any move from Manchester United.

Ashworth is one of the most well-regarded brains in the industry and the Manchester Evening News revealed last month that he is INEOS' prime choice for the sporting director role at Old Trafford.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe is assuming control of football operations at United and he is set to make changes, with Ashworth seen as someone who could help overhaul the club's recruitment strategy.

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Ashworth has made a significant impact in each position he's held with Peterborough, Cambridge, West Brom, the FA, Brighton and most recently, Newcastle, who are desperate to keep him.

It's thought large compensation would be sought in any potential move for Ashworth, but Newcastle are hopeful of him remaining in the North East, according to their CEO Darren Eales.

Eales told reporters in a sit-down interview this week: "So obviously Dan [Ashworth] has spoken on the record recently about being happy in the project. We go back to our days at West Bromwich Albion where we worked together.

"Dan's done a great job, there's a lot more work to be done and we're hopeful he's here for the long term. He's certainly enjoying his time at the moment."

When asked about his future November, Ashword replied: "I'm really happy, it's a brilliant city, club and project. I'm thoroughly engaged in throwing myself into all of those things and really enjoying the challenge."

United's recruitment has received intense scrutiny and the appointment of John Murtough as football director in March 2021 was hoped to be a step in the right direction.