Newcastle have released a statement confirming that their sporting director Dan Ashworth has been placed on gardening leave amid interest from Manchester United. The Red Devils want Ashworth to continue his work at Old Trafford and join Sir Jim Ratcliffe and co in sweeping changes.
Ashworth has reportedly made his intentions clear that he wishes to depart St James’ Park and pursue a new challenge of returning Erik ten Hag’s outfit to its former glory, but the two teams are yet to reach an agreement on how much United will pay to prise him out of the North East.
The 52-year-old has spent less than two years at Newcastle after joining from Brighton and they do not want to part ways with the recruitment chief without a mouthwatering fee. They are thought to be seeking a fee in the range of £20million for Ashworth’s services.
That is a figure that Ratcliffe and co are so far unwilling to spend, with Ashworth placed on gardening leave by Newcastle until negotiations can be resolved. He currently is unable to take a new job until 2026 due to clauses in his current contract.
A short statement on Newcastle’s website read: “Newcastle United can announce that Dan Ashworth has commenced a period of gardening leave.
“Darren Eales, Newcastle United CEO, said: ‘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’.”
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