A lot of Newcastle United players are being linked with moves away from the club right now, and that is a theme that extends higher up at St James’ Park.
The Magpies are currently trying to fend off interest from Manchester United, but not for one of their players. Instead, the Red Devils want Dan Ashworth to call time on his Toon career and take his talents to Old Trafford.
He has been identified as the man Manchester United want to lead their resurgence following investment from Sir Jim Ratcliffe, and there have been fears that Ashworth will say yes to the move.
However, there is yet to be an official offer from Man United, and it is business as usual for Newcastle United’s Sporting Director.
And that might be the case for the foreseeable future.

Dan Ashworth suggests he’s staying at Newcastle
According to the Athletic, Dan Ashworth is now giving his colleagues at Newcastle the impression that he will not be leaving the club to join Man United.
That is massively good news for the Magpies, as there has been plenty of fear that the former FA chief would seize the opportunity to head to the North West following an approach from his pal Sir Dave Brailsford.
That would then force Newcastle to find a replacement, and the club have been doing their due diligence on people who could come in and do Ashworth’s job.
But it now looks like hiring a replacement won’t be necessary, with Ashworth seemingly indicating that he is staying put on Tyneside. That is excellent, as he has only scratched the surface of what he can do as Newcastle United Sporting Director.
He is in charge of the football operations at Newcastle, and is tasked with ensuring every department is pulling in the right direction. From recruitment to youth development, Ashworth is the man calling the shots.
And it now looks like he will continue to do so, which will be much to the delight of the Toon owners who worked so hard to bring him in from Brighton in the first place.
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