Newcastle identify PL director as possible Dan Ashworth replacement amid Manchester United links

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Newcastle United have now identified a possible candidate to replace Dan Ashworth who continues to be a big target for Manchester United.

Ashworth has been linked with a move to Man United following Jim Ratcliffe’s 25% purchase of the club alongside David Brailsford who is close friends with the Newcastle director.

HITC Football have now revealed that Newcastle have identified Brentford director Phil Giles as their ideal replacement should Ashworth be poached from them.

Ashworth could soon leave Newcastle

It wouldn’t exactly be the end of the world for Newcastle to lose their sporting director, but it would be a huge blow considering how keen they were to bring him in over a year ago from Brighton.

Following the completion of the takeover, Ashworth was the owners’ number one target after Eddie Howe to begin their long-term project which he has been so huge in developing.

Ashworth’s impact on the club as a whole has been extremely positive, but it’s his work with the academy that has been the most important as the club look to attract some of the world’s best young star.

The 52-year-old is known to be one of the best in the business in the Premier League so it’s no surprise that he’s in demand, though Newcastle would like not lose him so quickly after being hired to lead the club into a new era.

Giles was a target for the Magpies before Ashworth

The report also states that Giles had been a target for Newcastle even before Ashworth arrived, so it’s not a shock that they again have him on their radar in case they lose their director to Man United.

Giles was born and raised in Newcastle as a huge fan of the Magpies, so a move would seemingly make sense for both parties.

The Brentford director has heavily impressed around Europe for his success with the London-based club, getting them promoted to the Premier League and achieving two good finishes in the last two years.

Brentford have often been commended for their recruitment, similar to Brighton, and it would definitely be a good move for Newcastle should they find themselves in need of a new director.