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Manchester United are prepared to wait on Dan Ashworth as Newcastle United insist on full compensation of up to £20m for their sporting director.
Ashworth has been put on a leave of absence from his gardening duties after expressing his interest in joining Manchester United to Newcastle. However, there has been no communication between the two clubs at this time.
Ashworth’s choice is a significant move in Ineos’s efforts to update Manchester United’s soccer division, and he has been their primary objective for a while. It is known that an initial agreement was only made between Ashworth and the new leaders at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon. The 52-year-old had previously rejected an offer due to its terms, but he was always interested in joining.
Ashworth is expected to take on the role of technical director at Manchester United, with the possibility of a shift to director of football operations. Initially, Ineos had considered dividing the position due to difficulties in securing the Newcastle executive. However, with his potential hire, they are proceeding with their original plan for the organizational framework.
In 2022, Ashworth became a member of Newcastle’s team. He had previously worked with the FA and Brighton.
The prospective head of recruitment will now report to Ashworth instead of working alongside him. This position will be the final major football role to be filled, assuming everything goes as planned with Ashworth.
Newcastle will require a complete payment of £20 million once they are officially approached by Old Trafford. However, Ineos is willing to be patient as they believe this amount is not feasible. They also believe it is worth waiting a few months for the right candidate who will bring about a long-term change in direction.
Board member Jean-Claude Blanc led discussions with Ashworth, in accordance with the plans of new chief executive Omar Berrada, who was hired from Manchester City.
Sir Dave Brailsford had wanted former Liverpool executive Julian Ward for the rule, but Ashworth has long been the overall favourite.
Paul Mitchell, who previously worked for Monaco, is being considered as a potential head of recruitment. This seemed more probable when the role was to be held in conjunction with a technical director.
Source: independent.co.uk
