Man Utd set firm stance over Newcastle United's £10m Dan Ashworth 'demand'

Manchester United will reportedly continue their attempts to lure Newcastle United sporting director Dan Ashworth to Old Trafford despite the Magpies demands of a £10m agreement.

As initially reported by ManchesterWorld, the 13-time Premier League champions are ‘unlikely to be put off’ by Newcastle’s demands of over £10m for Ashworth - but do not expect to pay ‘anywhere near’ that figure to conclude a deal to make the former FA director of elite development part of the new look setup at Old Trafford.

Although there has been no formal approach for Ashworth as it stands, the Red Devils are preparing an official offer and are hoping to complete a deal as soon as possible - but will show patience to get their man if Newcastle continue to play hardball over an agreement.  Magpies manager Eddie Howe spoke out over the situation surrounding Ashworth’s future in his pre-match press conference ahead of Saturday’s home game with his former club Bournemouth.

He said: “Nothing (has happened) as far as I’m aware. Obviously, it’s been in the news a lot and usually with these things that means something is going to happen. But as we speak now, we’ve had no contact (from Man United).  It’s an unusual situation. I’m used to speculation around players, but this is different. Hopefully there’s a quick resolution.” 

Should a compromise be found over the coming days, Ashworth’s two-year spell on Tyneside could come to a close in a relatively quick manner and leave the Magpies hierarchy considering their next move after losing a key individual within the setup at St James Park.  Newcastle have been linked with the likes of former Liverpool sporting director Michael Edwards and Bournemouth technical director Richard Hughes - although speculation over a move for the latter has been dismissed in recent days.