Manchester United are “close to reaching an agreement with Newcastle to appoint Dan Ashworth as their new sporting director” and the Magpies are holding out for around £20m in compensation.

Manchester United are reportedly closing in on a deal with Newcastle for Dan Ashworth.

The Red Devils are looking to appoint Ashworth as their new technical director, with Newcastle resisting a £20m-plus fee.

Ashworth has been on gardening leave since February after informing Newcastle of his desire to leave.

As ESPN reported, there is hope that an arbitration hearing will not be necessary to resolve the issue.

There have been many changes behind the scenes at United following the arrival of Sir Jim Ratcliffe as co-owner.

Manchester United are closing in on a deal with Newcastle for Dan Ashworth

Omar Berrada has been appointed as United’s new CEO and will officially start the job on July 13, following the end of his gardening leave at Manchester City.

Jason Wilcox, who previously worked for Southampton, is now technical director at United.

Co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has overseen a host of changes behind the scenes at United

Omar Berrada has been named United’s new CEO and will officially begin work on July 13

Ratcliffe also took the decision not to sack manager Erik ten Hag, who is now set to sign a contract extension.

Former United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy has also been linked with a return to the club as a potential replacement for Ten Hag assistant Mitchell van der Gaag or forwards coach Benni McCarthy.