Manchester United are set to make a formal proposal to Newcastle in the coming days to agree upon compensation to secure the signing of Dan Ashworth immediately.
Ashworth has already agreed to the Manchester United project and has been placed on gardening leave by Newcastle. It is believed Manchester United would have to pay in the realms of £15m and £20m to get the 52 year old to leave.
The highly acclaimed Director of Football has seen great success at Newcastle and prior to that at Brighton. Notable signings of his include: Leandro Trossard, Kaoru Mitoma, Alexis Mac Allister, Moises Caicedo, Alexander Isak and Sven Botman.
Newcastle Manager, Eddie Howe, described the position as “unusual” in his pre-match press conference before their 2-2 draw with Bournemouth.
Howe further added that: “Usually there’s transfer speculation on players, this is very different. Whatever happens, we want a quick resolution.”
Despite the high compensation Newcastle are seeking, paying for Ashworth now could still turn out to be a bargain for the Red Devils in the future. By bringing the Director of Football in now, Manchester United could plan their strategy ahead of the summer transfer window earning them the compensation back if done properly through saving money on players and demanding higher prices for outgoings.
With Ashworth’s departure looking likely, it begs the question of who may become the Magpies next Director of Football, with big boots to fill.