Report: Dan Ashworth expected to join Newcastle from Brighton

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Newcastle United are reportedly expected to appoint Dan Ashworth as director of football.

The Daily Mail state that the 50-year-old is expected to leave Brighton and join the Magpies in the coming weeks.

News emerged on Monday that Newcastle had been given permission to speak to Ashworth, with multiple outlets reporting on the development.

And it has now been claimed that Ashworth is expected to make the move to St James’ Park. It was reported by the Athletic that Brighton won’t stand in his way, and the Daily Mail state they are already making changes behind the scenes in preparation.

They claim that current loan manager David Weir has been convinced to stay with the Seagulls, despite being close to joining Everton.

Gareth Southgate would approve of Newcastle appointing Dan Ashworth

If Newcastle do appoint Ashworth, they’ll be appointing a man who is very highly rated.

Before joining Brighton, he spent six years working with the FA as director of elite development. England improved at all levels during his tenure, leading to high praise from England manager Gareth Southgate.

“I told Dan [Ashworth] as we walked in that he should feel really proud,” Southgate told the Daily Mail in 2018 after the World Cup in Russia.

“The last time we came to one of these [FIFA and UEFA technical conference] it was in St Petersburg three years ago but this time we walked in as world champions at U17 and U20 and we’ve been to a seniors’ semi-final, so we deserve our place at the table.

“That is a great credit to everyone involved, the backing the FA has given us in building St George’s Park and investing in the teams, to the work being done in youth development and to Dan in particular for putting those plans in place, which we have seen pay off for Spain, Germany and France. It’s up to us now to continue the work that’s been started.”

Ashworth impressed on the international stage, then took his talents back to club football. He joined Brighton in 2019, bringing Graham Potter to the club that summer.

He’s signed a plethora of exciting youngsters, including Tariq Lamptey who only cost the Seagulls £3million.

With the money Newcastle now have, he’ll be able to attract even bigger names to St James’ Park.

While he isn’t as big a name as the likes of Michael Emenalo or Luis Campos, Ashworth would be a sensible and exciting appointment by the club’s new owners.