Journalist Fabrizio Romano has shared how Dan Ashworth is going to respond to Manchester United’s offer to steal him from Newcastle United in the coming weeks.
Man United’s new investors have made bringing Ashworth in their number one priority and it looks like from the outside that he is keen on the move despite only being at Newcastle for two years.
Romano has claimed that Ashworth has already said yes to Man United and that the Red Devils are willing to pay compensation to Newcastle to get him now rather than wait until 2025.
Ashworth now looks set to leave Newcastle
All indications are pointing to Ashworth leaving St James’ Park and now it looks like it’s a matter of time while the two clubs negotiate on the best deal they can make for themselves.
It’s understood that Man United would have to pay a fee of around £6m to get the 52-year-old out of his contract with Newcastle, though they could rise if they want to get him straight away.
Newcastle have the option to place him on a 12-month gardening leave period that would keep him out of action until 2025, but Romano suggests that Man United want him immediately.
In the end it could still work out quite well for Newcastle who would be receiving a substantial fee and will have some time to find a suitable replacement so that they’re fully prepared for their summer recruitment under the guidance of a new director.
On social media, Romano said: “Dan Ashworth has already said yes to Manchester United. He’s prepared to accept their proposal as it’s considered big opportunity & project.
“Understand Man United are intentioned to negotiate and pay compensation to Newcastle; they absolutely want Ashworth now, not in 2025.”
Newcastle now preparing for life with a new director
Ashworth was central to all that goes on at Newcastle and while he’s not the main man when it comes to first-team signings, he’d certainly have a say in what goes on in the summer transfer window.
It’s very important that Newcastle are swift in bringing in a new man to take over the role and continue the work that Ashworth had been doing before the interest from Man United began.
The director has been absolutely integral in integrating the women’s team, improving the training ground and finding a site for the new complex as well as building an elite team of recruits for the academy.
Both Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes have been rumoured as potential candidates to take over but recent reports suggest that neither are in the running and Newcastle will have to look elsewhere for their Ashworth replacement.
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