Bombshell update as Newcastle and Man Utd to reach agreement 'next week' for Dan Ashworth

Manchester United could announce Dan Ashworth as their new sporting director as early as next week, according to reports.

That bombshell news will likely shock Newcastle United fans who expected Ashworth to stay on Tyneside for the long run. Toon chiefs headhunted the 52-year-old as the man to spearhead the Saudi-led revolution on Tyneside two years ago.

An initial four-month gardening leave from his post at Brighton meant Ashworth did not take the reins at St James’ Park until June 2022. The Magpies qualified for the Champions League in his first season at the helm, backed by new arrivals like Sven Botman and Alexander Isak.

Any hopes of him completing the job at Newcastle have diminished as he is now expected to become Man United’s new sporting director. Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s 25 per cent minority takeover was fully approved by the Premier League and FA today - with the Ineos billionaire assuming sporting control from the Glazers.

He has already snatched Manchester City CEO Omar Berrada - a move that stunned English football. Newcastle are the latest club to be raided by the Red Devils as Ashworth is expected to follow suit.

The Daily Mail are reporting that the Toon chief wants the move and Man United will make a formal approach in the coming days. An agreement between both clubs is likely to be reached “by early next week”, with Ratcliffe keen to press the action in preparation for the summer transfer window.

The report also claims Ashworth has not been given as much control at Newcastle as he would have liked. Working alongside Sir Dave Brailsford, his long-term friend and Ratcliffe’s right-hand man, also appealed.

Newcastle can expect to bank a hefty compensation package should Ashworth, as expected, join the Red Devils. The Magpies’ chief only announced in December “really happy” and envisaged a long-term future at the club.