Newcastle United announce Dan Ashworth move ahead of Manchester United negotiations

Newcastle have announced Dan Ashworth has started a period of gardening leave after he expressed a desire to join Manchester United.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe earmarked Ashworth as his only target for an inaugural sporting director role at Old Trafford and the 52-year-old has now moved a step closer to being appointed.

The Manchester Evening News reported in December that INEOS had identified Ashworth as their preferred pick to head up the new football structure at the club.

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A statement from Newcastle's CEO, Darren Eales, read: "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."

It's understood Ashworth will serve a lengthy spell of gardening leave before taking up his position at United and there has been a suggestion it will be at least 12 months. United and Newcastle will negotiate over Ashworth and the North East club are set to remand hefty compensation for a sporting director who only joined them in June 2022.

Newcastle were forced to pay Brighton compensation themselves when appointing Ashworth, who has also previously held positions with the FA and West Brom.

United football director John Murtough could be retained in a more administrative role but sources say it is 'in the balance' as to whether he remains under the club's new power brokers.

Brighton won praise for their recruitment during Ashworth's time at the Amex Stadium and Newcastle have signed the likes of Alexander Isak, Sven