Dan Ashworth has now informed Newcastle United that he has received an approach to join Manchester United as a deal accelerates.
United have landed a new CEO in Omar Berrada and are now focusing on adding a sporting director.
The top target has been Newcastle’s Dan Ashworth with reports in January indicating that he had become the absolute priority.
The rumours have died down a little in recent weeks but United now appear to be closing in on a massive appointment…
Dan Ashworth to Manchester United: the latest
The Athletic now claim that Ashworth has informed Newcastle that an offer from United is now on the table.
It’s stated the deal is now expected to ‘develop rapidly’ with formal contact between the two clubs now imminent.
United will need to pay compensation to get Ashworth out of Newcastle and the price is unlikely to be cheap.
Ashworth is understood to be interested in the job and that leaves United in a strong position to get a deal done in the coming days and weeks.
Why does Ashworth fancy United move?
Some may be a little confused as Ashworth only left Brighton and Hove Albion to become Newcastle’s sporting director in 2022.
Ashworth is now ready to ditch the Magpies for United and it seems that the level of power is vital to the move.
The Daily Mail claim that Ashworth hasn’t received the level of control he expected with his move to St James’ Park.
It’s stated that Ashworth has found his role at Newcastle limited and the increased power at United appeals to him.
That sounds incredibly exciting and the report notes that Sir Dave Brailsford has managed to convince Ashworth into making the move.
Gary Neville will be delighted
One man who will absolutely love the news of Ashworth’s expected move is Gary Neville.
Neville has long wanted United to appoint the ‘best in class’ in off-field positions and Ashworth certainly fits that bill.
Neville even praised Ashworth as the gold standard of football operators back in November, seemingly hoping that United would find somebody of a similar ilk.
Instead, United are going for Ashworth himself and it sounds like a deal is moving closer and closer in another exciting step for Ineos and Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
