The latest development in Newcastle United’s pursuit of Dan Ashworth

Dan Ashworth is set to become Newcastle United’s technical director on a four-year-deal - according to reports.

Brighton and Hove Albion confirmed at the beginning of February that Ashworth was leaving after three-and-half years to join another Premier League club.

Indeed, the news broke after the Magpies had held talks with Ashworth as part of their revamp in the football operations department.

It has since been widely reported that Ashworth will join the exciting project at St James’ Park under the new ownership consortium.

Although an announcement is yet to arrive, Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano has claimed the 50-year-old will sign a four-year contract on Tyneside.

His emotional Brighton goodbye

In an emotional farewell to the South Coast club a few weeks ago, Ashworth said: “It was a really difficult decision.

“I thought about it for a long time and thought about it really seriously because I wasn’t looking for a job. I didn’t apply for the job and I have been really happy at Brighton.

“It’s a brilliant club, it’s really well run, there’s really good people to work with and Tony and Paul (Barber) run it in the right way.”

Ashworth continued: “I have been lucky that the club have allowed me two days to have a handover, to speak to all the staff, to say goodbye.

“I was allowed a moment with the team yesterday and genuinely said to them that this is probably the best group of players I have had the privilege of working with in terms of culture and togetherness. They’re a joy to work with.

“It’s been absolutely brilliant, I have loved every minute of it.

“I leave with a heavy heart, I genuinely do and I will be watching the progress of the club, hoping the club go from strength-to-strength and continue the outstanding progress the club has made with Tony as chairman.

“So a huge thank you to everyone, players, staff, supporters and the city, I have had a wonderful time.”

A huge appointment for Newcastle

Ashworth’s reputation speaks for itself.

He previously spent six years as the England FA’s director of elite development before joining Brighton in 2018.

During his time with the FA, Ashworth played an integral role in the “England DNA” notion as Gareth Southgate’s side went on to reach the semi-finals of the World Cup.

His impact at Brighton was fittingly summed up by CEO Paul Barber, who said: “He’s been an important part of the club’s senior management team since joining us from The FA, and has made a significant contribution to our club’s progress in the Premier League and Women’s Super League.

“On a personal level, I will be sad to see Dan leave as we’d developed a close day to day working relationship. Dan’s been an excellent colleague and has become a good friend as well. I wish Dan and his family well for the future.

“However, as is the case with all top-quality people in any industry, we are always conscious of the risk of losing key staff to a rival.”