Fabrizio Romano provides Man United Dan Ashworth update as INEOS target shock transfer

Fabrizio Romano has provided a positive update on Manchester United’s pursuit of Newcastle’s sporting director Dan Ashworth.

Ashworth, 52, has entered gardening leave after informing The Geordies that he wanted to leave the club to move across to Old Trafford.

United have the issue of a £20 million reported fee to remove the sporting director from that 20-month-long period where he cannot work for any other club.

Now, Fabrizio Romano has explained that INEOS are prepared to continue talks with Newcastle in the coming days to make an agreement on a compensation fee for Ashworth.

It was added that the new leadership at Old Trafford are hoping for the 52-year-old to be part of their project as soon as possible.

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This follows shortly from reports suggesting that United and INEOS are targeting a shock transfer for Luton Town midfielder Ross Barkley.

Since returning to the Premier League, Barkley has excelled for the struggling promoted side and is one of the main reasons they still have a chance of survival.

The 30-year-old was signed by INEOS at OGC Nice last term and had a successful season with the French side, which helped launch him to a return to England’s top flight.

With several midfielders at United likely to leave in the summer, Barkley could provide a cheap option to fill the squad at the club.

Both Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Sir Dave Brailsford are said to be big admirers of the midfielder.

Barkley has started 18 Premier League games so far this term, scoring three goals and registering three assists.