Manchester United are closing in on an agreement with Newcastle United to appoint Dan Ashworth as their new sporting director. Sources have told ESPN that Ashworth has been on gardening leave since informing Newcastle of his desire to move to Old Trafford in February. Newcastle have insisted on a compensation fee of around £20 million, and the two clubs are said to be nearing a deal.
Ashworth’s appointment follows Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s arrival as a co-owner and represents another significant move after Omar Berrada’s imminent start as CEO on July 13, following his secondment from Manchester City. Jason Wilcox has also joined from Southampton to take up the role of technical director.
In Ashworth’s absence, Manchester United’s summer transfer plans have been formulated by Wilcox, chief scout Steve Brown, and football negotiation chief Matt Hargreaves.