Dan Ashworth is the latest name linked with the director of football role at Newcastle United.
According to the Athletic, the Magpies have been given permission to speak to Ashworth by his current club Brighton.
Ashworth has been working as the Seagulls’ technical director since early 2019, working closely with Graham Potter.
The report adds that Brighton want to keep Ashworth, but won’t stand in his way if he decides to join Newcastle – should PIF and co make him an offer.
The Athletic’s claim has been backed up by the Telegraph and Sky Sports, who are also reporting about Newcastle’s move for Ashworth.
Dan Ashworth is another exciting DOF target for Newcastle
Newcastle have been linked with some big names during their search for a director of football. It’s an important role to fill, and will define the direction the club goes in over the next few years.
A decision won’t come in time for the January transfer window, with the club instead hiring Nick Hammond on a temporary basis as a transfer consultant.
Long term, they need a director of football or sporting director. And Ashworth would be an exciting appointment.
The 50-year-old spent six years working with the FA as director of elite development. He certainly made an impact, with England proving to be much more successful in recent years.
Ashworth was linked with a job at Manchester United in 2017, which shows how highly rated he is.
We’ve seen at Brighton the kind of signings he can make. They’ve shopped all over the world, signing young players with stacks of potential.
That’s what Newcastle need to do. They need to build a squad capable of progressing. We can’t simply just buy the best players – it will be a process.
Ashworth would be a wonderful appointment for Newcastle, but it has been reported that other names are in the frame.
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