Man Utd 'step up' efforts for Newcastle man as 'secret' Jadon Sancho plan detailed

Manchester United got back to winning ways on Saturday after beating Everton 2-0 at Old Trafford. Erik ten Hag's side were far from their best but first-half penalties from Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford secured a crucial three points in the top-four race.

United now have all week to prepare for that massive FA Cup quarter-final clash at Liverpool on Sunday before the March international break. And in the meantime, ManchesterWorld has rounded up some of the latest Reds headlines.

Ashworth pursuit

United have reportedly 'stepped up' talks with Newcastle as they try to come to an agreement over Dan Ashworth. HITC reports that Sir Jim Ratcliffe wants his man in post before the end of this season so he can influence the summer transfer window.

Ratcliffe identified recruitment chief Ashworth as his prime target to become United's new sporting director, but Newcastle are thought to want close to £20million in compensation after putting the 53-year-old on gardening leave. United have no intention of meeting that valuation.

The report states that United are looking to pay less than half of that £20m demand, but there is an eagerness to get Ashworth in place ahead of the summer. Ratcliffe is set to oversee a busy summer as he bids to make the squad competitive again.

'Secret' Sancho plan

Borussia Dortmund are keen to extend Jadon Sancho's stay with them amid reports in Germany that there is a 'secret plan' to make it so. BILD reports that the Bundesliga club will hope to secure the winger for at least another year, ideally on loan again.

Sancho has been widely expected to leave United permanently this summer but there is a desire to recoup a large portion of the £73m they spent on him in 2021. That would be almost impossible on Dortmund's end but as well as another loan, the report suggests a player-plus-cash deal may also be explored.

The report suggests someone like Donyell Malen could ease the financial burden on Dortmund but it is unclear whether United would accept such a proposal. Sancho is said to blame Ten Hag for his recent slump, having been exiled from the squad after essentially accusing his manager of lying about poor performances in training.