Sir Jim Ratcliffe dealt Man United blow as Newcastle United man responds to Old Trafford approach

Dan Ashworth, as it stands, is reportedly reluctant to leave Newcastle United after attracting interest from Premier League rivals Manchester United.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe's INEOS group recently purchased a 25 per-cent stake in the Red Devils and as a result have been placed in charge of the football operations at Old Trafford.

Ratcliffe has drafted in cycling legend and performance director Sir Dave Brailsford to help revamp Man United at boardroom level. As per the Independent, an eight-week audit is underway where it'll decided if they need a director of football and sporting director, or just the one position filled.

It's claimed 'some primary targets have still been sounded out for roles'. Monaco sporting director Paul Mitchell, former Liverpool officials Julian Ward &Michael Edwards and Ashworth were mentioned in the article but fears the latter could depart has seemingly been played down.

As stated by the Independent, Ashworth "is currently reluctant to go to Old Trafford, due to the scope of his role at St James' Park". They add "it is understood the Manchester club would have to go very high with a financial offer and well-defined terms to tempt him."

Ashworth joined as the Magpies' sporting director from Brighton and Hove Albion in the summer of 2022 and has overseen big changes, both on and off the pitch, after sealing Champions League qualification last season.

The links involving Ashworth and Man United first emerged in December. The former England technical director has a long-standing relationship with Brailsford, who hosted a presentation in front of the Newcastle squad in Portugal ahead of the 2022-23 Premier League campaign.

Man United legend Gary Neville recently suggested Ashworth would be a good fit for the Red Devils after bumping into him during Newcastle's 3-0 victory in the Carabao Cup third round.

Neville's praise was put to Ashworth during a sit-down interview at the club's Benton training ground in November and he played down talk of him being lured away from Tyneside.

"First of all, I literally saw Gary when walking into the directors' box and he was going down the tunnel. I shouted 'hello' and that was it,’ said Ashworth. ‘I didn't have a conversation with Gary. I know him and Phil (Neville) from their England days. He's written some very kind things and thank you Gary.

"But it’s the same situation as Eddie [Howe], I think. I'm really happy, it's a brilliant city, club and project. I'm thoroughly engaged in throwing myself into all of those things and really enjoying the challenge."