Newcastle United summer transfer window fear ahead of 'unusual' Manchester United swoop

Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe has revealed his concerns surrounding Dan Ashworth's expected move to Manchester United.

While Howe says there has been no approach from the Red Devils yet, tellingly Ashworth, who joined from Brighton and Hove Albion 20 months ago, has NOT told the Magpies he wants to remain at St James' Park.

The sporting director is expected to move to Old Trafford - subject to a compensation package being agreed - and with that brings fears of Ashworth uncovering United's transfer secrets to a direct rival.

Asked if the detailed intelligence Ashworth possesses about his current employers and their blueprint was a concern, Howe replied: “I think your concerns are relevant. I don’t know quite how much I can say on that, but I share your feelings.”

Howe later added: "That’s why I say he’s in a position of power, with a lot of intelligence and information. That’s why it’s a slightly unusual situation."

The United head coach admitted he wants a quick resolution and 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 I think 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, but let's see what happens. As I say, as I sit here now, nothing has happened.

“Football always moves on very quickly, and I'd say that regarding the manager's position. Newcastle is a huge football club, 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."

Howe gets the final say on transfers and he is confident his summer plans won't be impacted by Ashworth's expected exit.

He said: "The biggest compliment I can give Dan when he came in - and this is difficult to do when you’re in a position of power like he is - then the natural temptation is to change everything, to come in with a big ego and say, 'this is what we’re going to do'. The biggest compliment I can pay Dan is that he didn’t.

"He let the structures that were in place exist and survive and we’re still working the same way that we were in the first transfer window. Our recruitment has been very good, and I’m including the summer, because I think those deals will come good for the club in the long term. So that won’t be affected. 

Are plans for summer transfers already in place?

‘Yes, the work never stops. The work never stopped in the build-up to January and it won’t stop in the build-up to the summer. Recruitment is a 365-day job. It never sleeps and the processes are unchanged."