Sir Jim Ratcliffe has reportedly identified Newcastle United chief Dan Ashworth as his priority candidate to become sporting director under the new regime at Manchester United. However, the Magpies look set to derail Ratcliffe’s plans with a move that could force him to re-direct his search.
The 71-year-old tycoon hopes to formalise his £1.3billion deal for a 25 per cent stake in United before Christmas Day on Monday.
Negotiations over legal issues, partly regarding the transfer of full sporting control from the Glazer family, have taken time to complete.
But there is optimism that United supporters will receive the long-anticipated confirmation of the agreed minority investment in the coming days.
Once ratified, the Premier League will take six to eight weeks to pass the deal. In that time, Ratcliffe and INEOS will have to wait to directly influence things, but can put the pieces in place.
Among the priorities in their planned overhaul of United’s football operation is an upgraded transfer unit helmed by a new sporting director and head of recruitment.
Paul Mitchell, Michael Edwards, Dougie Freedman and Andrea Berta have reportedly been eyed for the latter.
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And reports claim that Ashworth is Ratcliffe’s preferred option to replace John Murtough and become United’s sporting director.
However, less than two years into his job at the heart of Newcastle’s exciting Saudi Arabian revolution, luring Ashworth away from Tyneside is proving problematic.
According to the Mail, Newcastle are confident of retaining the 52-year-old, who is happy with his current role moulding Eddie Howe’s transfer strategy.
A formal offer from United would test both parties’ resolve, but it won’t come cheap to secure Ratcliffe’s dream appointment.
The report claims that while Ashworth doesn’t have a release clause in his Newcastle contract, the club would demand significantly more than his £1.5m annual salary to let him go.
