Newcastle place Dan Ashworth on gardening leave ahead of Man United move

Man United are about to make another huge addition

United have targeted Ashworth - who has been instrumental in Newcastle's success - to help revolutionise the club following INEOS purchase of a minority stake in the club.

As revealed by the BBC, Ashworth is under contract until 2025 and can't leave until a compensation fee has been agreed.

Talks between the two clubs have yet to get underway.

Newcastle want huge sum for sporting director

Sporting directors have become all the rage in recent years and Ashworth is certainly regarded as one of the best in the business.

Reports last week said that the 52-year-old has a database that contains details on every player.

Given his importance to the club, the Magpies want a fee of over £10m in order to part ways with their prized asset.

Ashworth is supposedly keen to make the move to Old Trafford and has a strong relationship with Ineos head of sport Sir Dave Brailsford from his time in a previous role at the Football Association.

Ashworth and Berrada can fix Man United's transfer woes

Having already appointed Omar Berrada as the club's chief executive earlier this year, bringing Ashworth in would be another almighty coup for Sir Jim Ratcliffe.

Transfers have been a huge problem in the past for the Red Devils, spending extortionate sums on players who have failed to live up to the price tag.

In his time at Brighton and Newcastle, Ashworth forged a reputation for unearthing gems that would prove to be a suitable fit for those respective clubs.

While United have shown steady improvement in recent weeks, they are still a long way off from being at their absolute best but if brought in, Ashworth may help propel the club back to the glory days of titles and trophies.

Related links:

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• Sir Jim Ratcliffe receives Premier League approval to buy £1.3bn stake in Man United
• Man United to introduce new rule to clear out dead wood