'Certainly' - Newcastle United chief responds to Manchester United & Dan Ashworth links

Newcastle United CEO Darren Eales has addressed the speculation linking Dan Ashworth with Manchester United.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe's INEOS group recently purchased a 25 per-cent stake in the Red Devils and as a result have been placed in charge of the football operations at Old Trafford.

Ratcliffe has drafted in cycling legend and performance director Sir Dave Brailsford to help revamp Man United at boardroom level. As per the Independent, an eight-week audit is underway where it'll be decided if they need a director of football and sporting director, or just the one position filled.

It's claimed 'some primary targets have still been sounded out for roles'. Monaco sporting director Paul Mitchell, former Liverpool officials Julian Ward & Michael Edwards and Ashworth were mentioned in the article but Eales is hopeful the latter will remain at St James' Park long-term.

Eales said: "So obviously Dan has spoken on the record recently about being happy in the project. We go back to our days at West Bromwich Albion where we worked together.

"Dan's done a great job, there's a lot more work to be done and we're hopeful he's here for the long term. He's certainly enjoying his time at the moment."

Ashworth joined as the Magpies' sporting director from Brighton and Hove Albion in the summer of 2022 and has overseen big changes, both on and off the pitch, after sealing Champions League qualification last season.

The links involving Ashworth and Man United first emerged in December. The former England technical director has a long-standing relationship with Brailsford, who hosted a presentation in front of the Newcastle squad in Portugal ahead of the 2022-23 Premier League campaign.

Asked about his future November, Ashword replied: "I'm really happy, it's a brilliant city, club and project. I'm thoroughly engaged in throwing myself into all of those things and really enjoying the challenge."

The Independent reports Ashworth "is currently reluctant to go to Old Trafford, due to the scope of his role at St James' Park". They add "it is understood the Manchester club would have to go very high with a financial offer and well-defined terms to tempt him."