Manchester Utd makes formal approach to sign Newcastles key plaayer

 BBC Sport’s Simon Stone, Manchester United has formally approached Newcastle United about the hiring of the Magpies’ sporting director, Dan Ashworth. Shortly before this revelation, NUFC reported that Ashworth had been placed on gardening leave after his request for a release.

Between now and when Ashworth eventually departs Newcastle, the Tyneside club will continue to pay him the wage agreed upon when the staffer was first appointed to a contract in 2022. With Ashworth removed from daily operations, NUFC and MUFC will negotiate compensation in the coming days so he can join Manchester before January 2026.

With Ashworth under contract at Newcastle until 2025, speculations believe that the Magpies may seek compensation in excess of £10 million, possibly more than £20 million. According to reports, Manchester United is wary of overpaying and would prefer to wait until Ashworth’s contract expires in 2026 before hiring the sporting director.

One of the main reasons for Ashworth’s decision to leave Newcastle for Manchester is thought to be his relationship with Sir Dave Brailsford, head of sport at INEOS during his previous FA role, as well as his credited contributions to England’s youth football success and Brighton’s Premier League ascent. This was always going to happen, given that INEOS now owns a sizable portion of Manchester United.