How long is Dan Ashworth's gardening leave as Man Utd make move for Newcastle United director

Dan Ashworth could be facing up to two years of gardening leave after the Newcastle United sporting director told the Magpies hierarchy he wished to leave the club.

Ashworth has been repeatedly linked with a key role within a new look setup at Manchester United following Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s recent investment at Old Trafford and the Red Devils interest has been ramped up in recent days.

Speaking on Friday as talk of Ashworth’s possible departure increased, Magpies manager Eddie Howe described the situation as ‘unusual’ and admitted he wanted a ‘quick resolution’ to the situation given how much ‘intelligence and information’ the former Brighton man possesses on Newcastle’s recruitment plans.

He said: “It’s a difficult one because when you’re in that role I think you need longevity to actually see the fruits of your labour.  It’s sort of a long-term position and the people who have done it best in the Premier League throughout time have always had a period of real stability, because change takes a long time at any football club to get those processes exactly how you want them to be.

“Dan’s had a relatively short time here, Newcastle is a huge football club and it will continue to work in a very efficient way regardless of who is here. We’ve got some very, very capable people here in all departments, so we would carry on very smoothly. Since they have come to the football club the board have run it really well.”

Howe also confirmed Ashworth had not asked to leave Newcastle during the press conference - but that situation is thought to have changed on Sunday night as the former FA director of elite development indicated he wished to discuss a move to Old Trafford.  The Magpies are reportedly demanded a fee of over £15m before they will allow Ashworth to join their Premier League rivals and have placed their sporting director on gardening leave.

That follows a similar process to the one that played out prior to Ashworth’s arrival at St James Park two years ago after he was placed on gardening leave by former club Brighton as the Seagulls negotiated a fee with the Magpies.  However, there have been claims Newcastle could remain firm with their demands for Ashworth and a clause in his contract would leave the 52-year-old facing a two-year spell of gardening leave before he would be free to take up his role with a new look Old Trafford hierarchy.