Manchester United close to deal with Newcastle for Dan Ashworth as sporting director

According to ESPN, Manchester United are closing in on a deal with Newcastle United to appoint Dan Ashworth as their new sporting director. Dan Ashworth, currently on long gardening leave since February, has expressed his desire to move to Manchester United. Newcastle initially demanded a compensation fee of around £20m, but the sum was deemed absurd by Manchester United. United were only willing to pay around £2million for the Newcastle man, but both clubs are close to completing a deal.

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Manchester United’s new co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has been very vocal about the difficulty of reaching a deal with the Toons, accusing Newcastle of being difficult. Ratcliffe stressed that player recruitment cannot fully take place until Dan Ashworth is appointed sporting director. In Ashworth’s absence as sporting director, new technical director Jason Wilcox and head of football negotiations Matt Hargreaves have managed United’s transfer plans. However, it is understood that incoming Dan Ashworth will have a major role to play in the transfer window. Manchester United are reportedly finalizing the deal for him as soon as possible as they want to wrap up transfer business as soon as possible and give the manager a balanced squad ahead of the start of pre-season on July 15.

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Manchester United have retained Erik ten Hag as manager for next season after a lengthy review at the end of the season. The club have identified signing a centre-back, striker and central midfielder as a priority in the upcoming transfer window, with notable names linked to the Old Trafford outfit. Transfer plans are dependent on various sales taking place with Jadon Sancho, Mason Greenwood and Wan-Bissakka some of the names linked with a move away from the club. The club are also looking to revamp Erik ten Hag’s coaching staff, with possible new appointments including former United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy and Go Ahead Eagles manager Rene Hake.

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