Newcastle issue Dan Ashworth statement following Manchester United move

Newcastle CEO Darren Eales has issued a statement following Manchester United’s interest in sporting director Dan Ashworth.

INEOS and Sir Jim Ratcliffe want Dan Ashworth to be the next big appointment, joining Old Trafford as Manchester United‘s new sporting director.

However, Ashworth’s latest position is held with Newcastle United as the club’s current director of football, and as a result of the interest held by Erik ten Hag‘s club, he has been placed on gardening leave.

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In an official club statement, Newcastle said: “Newcastle United can announce that Dan Ashworth has commenced a period of gardening leave.”

Newcastle CEO Darren Eales said: “We are naturally disappointed that Dan has chosen to leave. However, our exciting journey doesn’t stop, and the process to recruit a new sporting director will begin immediately.

“We thank Dan for his efforts at Newcastle United, and we wish him and his family well for the future.”

Newcastle are reportedly demanding as much as £20 million in compensation for Ashworth to skip his gardening leave and join United immediately – and INEOS are unwilling to pay this amount.

According to ESPN, the two clubs may come to an agreement where United will pay a lower compensation fee, and in return, Ashworth will only serve part of his gardening leave, potentially until February 2025.