The ‘insulting’ fee Manchester United want to pay for Dan Ashworth - Newcastle playing hardball
Newcastle are yet to agree a compensation package with Manchester United for Dan Ashworth
Manchester United want to stump up just £3million to release Dan Ashworth from his St James’ Park contract.
Newcastle United are no closer to agreeing a compensation package than they were when the sporting director announced his desire to leave four months ago. The Magpies placed Ashworth on gardening leave, with Toon chiefs determined to keep him on the periphery until January 2026 if a deal cannot be reached.
Red Devils minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has brandished Newcastle’s £20million asking price as “silly” - and publicly bemoaned gardening leave at the London Marathon earlier this year. Manchester City CEO Omar Berrada will also join the club when his notice period is served next month.
The Daily Mail revealed Ashworth and Berrada threatened to breach their contract after the Newcastle chief accidentally sent messages between the two to his work email address. Ironically, it is Ashworth who has pursued legal action against the Magpies, with arbitration expected in the coming weeks to force through a move.
This comes after a meeting between Ratcliffe and Toon co-owner Amanda Staveley failed to breach the impasse. The Telegraph now claim Man United are only willing to pay £3million for the 53-year-old.
That is understood to be £1million less than the fee Newcastle paid to snatch Ashworth from Brighton two years ago. As for the Magpies, they are yet to find a successor despite a lengthy interview process.
Crystal Palace chief Dougie Freedman was rumoured to be in the frame before committing his future to Selhurst Park. Johannes Spors, who fronts 777 Group’s global sporting enterprise, is another potential candidate.