Mail Sport understands that Manchester United and Newcastle could reach an agreement regarding Dan Ashworth as early as next week.
A formal approach is being formulated by Manchester United in anticipation of the sporting director, and all parties are in favor of a prompt resolution.
It has come to our attention that Ashworth wishes to exchange St James’ Park for Old Trafford. Should a compensation package be reached an agreement upon, it is possible that progress will be made in the coming days, notwithstanding the probable protracted gardening leave.
As anticipated, Ashworth has not had nearly as much control at Newcastle, the club he debuted with in the summer of 2022. It is believed that the allure of the project at Manchester United and his rapport with INEOS director of sport Sir Dave Brailsford have convinced him that the time has come to proceed, although there has been no repercussions thus far.
In the event of Ashworth’s departure, Michael Edwards, a former sporting director at Liverpool, is a probable candidate to assume leadership at Newcastle. Edwards, a highly coveted operator in the industry, departed from Anfield in June 2022. However, he has since returned to the sports industry by co-founding an advisory firm with Ian Graham, the former director of research for Liverpool.
Richard Hughes, the incumbent technical director of Bournemouth, could potentially be retained in the event of a vacancy. Hughes, who has been linked with a comparable position at Liverpool as well, has formed a strong relationship with Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe during their time together on the south coast.