Newcastle United 'interview' Dan Ashworth replacement as sporting director race heats up

Newcastle United have interviewed Benfica chief Rui Pedro Braz to replace Dan Ashworth, according to reports.

As it stands, the 53-year-old remains on gardening leave at St James’ Park, with Manchester United yet to agree a compensation package. New Red Devils minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe headhunted Ashworth as his No.1 choice for sporting director once given the keys to Old Trafford.

However, the Ineos billionaire has been left frustrated by Newcastle’s hardball stance, calling the situation “a bit silly” at an event last month. Toon chiefs are demanding a record fee to release Ashworth from his contract - whose position on Tyneside is now untenable.

Newcastle confirmed their “disappointment” at the former Brighton man’s decision to leave in a club statement but reassured supporters that the process of finding a replacement has already begun. Portuguese outlet A Bola are claiming Benfica supremo Braz is top of their shortlist to succeed Ashworth.

A former pundit, Braz was given control at the Estadio da Luz in 2022, having joined as general director a year earlier. Despite a short time in the hot seat, the 45-year-old has overseen big-money deals including Goncalo Ramas to Paris Saint-Germain, Darwin Nunez’s Liverpool switch and Enzo Fernandez’s £110million Chelsea move.

Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur were also reportedly considering Braz as sporting director last year. The report suggests talks have already taken place with Newcastle and the director recently travelled to London for an interview.

He would not be the first Portuguese man linked with the soon-to-be vacant role. Tiago Pinto has been touted as a potential Toon target following his Roma exit a month ago.