Manchester United have received a major boost in their hopes of prising Dan Ashworth away from Newcastle to become the Red Devils’ new sporting director. Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s 25 per cent purchase of United is set to be confirmed soon and he is prepared to make a host of changes at Old Trafford.
That includes club staff, as Ashworth has been linked with becoming the second fresh face at the club after Omar Berrada was poached from rivals Manchester City to become their new CEO.
And the Manchester Evening News claim that Ashworth wants to leave Newcastle for United, who are so confident of landing the former Brighton chief that they have made the risky call not to sound out any other options.
Ashworth has been widely-praised for transforming the recruitment at Newcastle with Eddie Howe and has played a big role in bringing Champions League football to St James’ Park this season.
He maintains a strong relationship with Ratcliffe and his right-hand man Sir David Brailsford, though Ashworth would need to undertake a lengthy period of gardening leave before taking up any position at United.
Berrada is already on such leave after departing the Etihad, but if a deal cannot be reached with Newcastle for their recruitment chief then Ratcliffe is playing a risky game and will be sent back to the drawing board without a Plan B.
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