Newcastle United may suddenly need to find themselves a new Sporting Director.
That role currently belongs to Dan Ashworth, but it does not look like that will be the case for much longer.
Manchester United have stepped up their interest in the 52-year-old, with Sir Jim Ratcliffe eager to bring him to Old Trafford. He may just get his wish, with Ashworth now eager to make the move.
This situation is developing rapidly, and all roads appear to lead towards Newcastle losing a hugely influential figure behind the scenes at St James’ Park.
Amid fears that Ashworth could depart, Newcastle have been doing their due diligence over possible replacements. And a new report suggests they may have a very exciting target in mind.
Newcastle could turn to former Liverpool chief Michael Edwards
According to the Daily Mail, Newcastle are likely to target Michael Edwards as a replacement for Ashworth if he does leave. They state that Edwards, who is currently out of work, will probably emerge as a candidate for the position of Sporting Director.
Edwards is best known for his work with Liverpool, where he was in charge of building the team that has been so successful under Jurgen Klopp.
He left the Reds in the summer of 2022, and turned down the chance to return to Anfield last month.
Whether or not a move to Newcastle would appeal remains to be seen, with the Magpies suddenly needing to find someone to finish the job that Ashworth started.
It will be a great shame to see the former FA chief depart, but Toon fans will quickly get over it if the club can replace him with such a mammoth name like Edwards.
Newcastle were linked with Edwards before hiring Dan Ashworth
Interestingly, Newcastle have been linked with Edwards before. He was a target for the Magpies shortly after the takeover, when it emerged that the new owners would be hiring a sporting director.
Edwards was an exciting candidate, while his relationship with Eddie Howe made the rumours all the more exciting. The pair met at Portsmouth and became friends, and have been close ever since.
Obviously, a move did not materialise, but those rumours look like they are going to be doing the rounds again amid Ashworth’s looming departure.
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