Report: Newcastle are ‘determined’ to bring in Dan Ashworth this summer

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Newcastle United are reportedly making progress in their bid to appoint Dan Ashworth.

The 51-year-old has agreed a deal to become the Magpies’ new sporting director, but has been unable to begin work at St James’ Park.

Ashworth resigned from his role at Brighton in February and began a period of gardening leave. He must serve a notice period before he starts his next job.

The only way his notice period can be ended early is if Newcastle pay Brighton compensation. Reports earlier in the year suggested this wouldn’t happen, with the Seagulls wanting £5million.

It therefore looked like Ashworth wouldn’t join the Magpies until November. However, there has now been fresh movement.

Ashworth could join Newcastle before the start of the season

According to the Athletic, Newcastle have reopened talks with Brighton with regards to compensation. Their report states that the Magpies are ‘determined’ to bring him in before the start of next season.

They add that talks have been ‘highly constructive’ and could lead towards a resolution.

That will be music to the ears of Toon fans, who are excited to see what Newcastle can become under Ashworth. He’s been billed as someone who can ‘transform’ the club.

It will also delight the Newcastle owners, who have been eyeing the former FA chief for a long time. Appointing Ashworth should ease their responsibilities and allow them to focus their efforts elsewhere.

While there will be plenty of new faces joining Eddie Howe’s squad this summer, Ashworth’s arrival could be the most important. He’s going to shape the direction the club goes in over the next few years. He will lead the project, and help provide Howe with the players he needs to get Newcastle competing higher and higher up the division.

He’s got a huge reputation, and did a brilliant job at Brighton. His recruitment was exceptional, so much so that one of his signings is now a target for Manchester City.

News of Ashworth not coming until November was a blow but not the end of the world. But the fact a resolution has almost been reached and he could become a Magpie soon is incredibly exciting.