Newcastle United have not been having to deal with the prospect of key people leaving in the PIF era thus far.
Such is the level of ambition on show from Newcastle’s owners, the story at the club has been focused around what big names are arriving.
Still, recent reports have suggested one Dan Ashworth could be on his way.
Indeed, Newcastle’s sporting director is said to be a target for Manchester United now they have begun the Sir Jim Ratcliffe era.
In fact, one man appears to be pushing their interest.
Dan Ashworth to Manchester United: Newcastle latest
According to the Evening Standard, both Ashworth and former Tottenham head of recruitment Paul Mitchell are targets at Old Trafford as the Red Devils look to appoint a new sporting director.
While Mitchell is said to be the “perfect” option, there is a complication for Newcastle.
Sir Dave Brailsford, who has joined the board in Manchester, is said to be a close personal friend of Ashworth’s and favours him over Mitchell.
The report does also add that Newcastle will “do all they can” to resist any approach.
Dan Ashworth: Losing Newcastle man would be a major blow
Hailed by Gary Neville for his ability to “transform” structures behind the scenes, losing Ashworth would be a major blow for Newcastle.
Not only would they be losing his expertise, the optics just would not look very good at all.
Leaving for Old Trafford less than two years into his time at St James’ Park would suggest Man United represent something of a step up. That may have been the case historically but little about what they’ve done in the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era would suggest that is still true.
Newcastle, meanwhile, have made so much progress in such a short space of time and their future is so exciting.
If Ashworth does not want to be part of that, then his loss.
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