Dan Ashworth update as Sir Jim Ratcliffe gives boastful Manchester United briefing that will annoy Newcastle

Sir Jim Ratcliffe has informed Manchester United staff that Dan Ashworth’s appointment will soon be completed, according to reports.

Newcastle United have maintained their hardball stance over the sporting director. Toon chiefs were let down by Ashworth’s decision to jump ship in January - placing him on gardening leave.

In a cut-throat statement, Newcastle announced the process to find his replacement has already begun. NewcastleWorld understands interviews have taken place but the Ashworth saga casts a dark cloud over St James’ Park.

An initial £20million compensation package was laughed off as “silly” by Ratcliffe. The Ineos billionaire reiterated his frustration at the London Marathon a fortnight ago.

"You get these new guys to come into the team, really capable people, but they are all on gardening leave," Ratcliffe told BBC Sport. "So it takes you six months, a year or 18 months. It’s a real issue in football. They can’t work for us. The fans are impatient."

The Red Devils chief even met with Amanda Staveley several weeks ago in an attempt to breach the impasse. CEO Omar Berrada is set to start work on July 13 while Jason Wilcox has already been appointed as technical director - leaving Ashworth to consider legal options.

The 53-year-old is set to take Newcastle to arbitration - forcing a potential move before the summer window. Ratcliffe, according to The Athletic, has briefed Man United staff that a breakthrough is imminent. 

He has made no secret of his desire to appoint the Newcastle director before the transfer market opens. Erik ten Hag is facing pressure as manager but any potential change in the dugout would not be made until Ashworth arrives.