Newcastle change Dan Ashworth stance with potential Man United start date revealed

Newcastle United have changed their stance on Dan Ashworth, with the sporting director currently on gardening leave and awaiting a move to Manchester United.

Ashworth, 52, has exited Newcastle and entered his gardening leave period, which lasts until the end of 2025, after telling the Geordies that he wanted to leave for Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s project at United.

The sporting director is now awaiting an agreement to be made between the two clubs, with United hoping to pay in order to start his role under the new INEOS regime as soon as possible.

However, it was first reported that Newcastle were seeking a staggering £20 million in compensation to remove Ashworth from his gardening leave. Sir Jim Ratcliffe labelled the situation ‘absurd’.

Now, though, fresh reports from the Telegraph have suggested a change in stance from Newcastle, who are now open to further negotiations on the amount needed to take the former Brighton and FA director away at a sooner date.

The report has stated that The Geordies are aiming to ‘speed up’ Ashworth’s exit from the club, with talks over compensation remaining a priority. Darren Eales, Newcastle’s CEO, is leading the negotiations, which are ‘amicable’.

It was added that whilst Newcastle remain adamant they want a large compensation fee for the sporting director, they are willing to negotiation their £20 million price tag.

The Saudi-owned club will consider a deal that would see Ashworth start his new role at Old Trafford before the end of the year if a suitable amount is paid.

Ashworth was a key part of Newcastle’s revamp under the new ownership, which saw signings such as Kieran Trippier, Bruno Guimarães and Alexander Isak.