Man Utd takeover: Newcastle United boss responds to fresh Dan Ashworth questions

Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe has been answering questions about Dan Ashworth amid Manchester United links.

Howe has said he has 'no doubt' of Ashworth's long-term commitment to Newcastle. Ashworth has spent the past year-and-a-half as sporting director at Newcastle, overseeing a top-four finish and Champions League qualification in his first season in the role. But with a pending minority takeover at Manchester United, Ashworth is reportedly been lined up for a similar role at Old Trafford.

Manchester Evening News have claimed Ashworth is incoming minority owners, the INEOS Group's 'prime choice' for the sporting director role. Sir Jim Ratcliffe has promised Manchester United fans that he will continue to invest funds into the club, as an agreement to purchase 25 percent of the Red Devils was confirmed on Christmas Eve.

News broke at 4pm on Christmas Eve that the British billionaire’s $1.3bn (£1.03bn) bid had finally been agreed, although it will now be referred to the Premier League’ Owners’ and Directors’ Test, meaning it could take around six to eight weeks before the deal can be officially confirmed.

When asked about Ashworth's future at the club, Howe said: "Of course I've spoken to Dan but not necessarily about [Manchester United links].

"It's very difficult to comment on speculation, whether that be a player or someone in Dan's position. I've got no doubt that Dan is here for the long term but it's probably a question for Dan rather than me.

"I think whenever someone is in the role of importance that Dan is, hugely important and he's done a really good job in helping us in loads of different ways, building departments, the training ground, he's connected with everything that goes on in terms of the decision making at the football club.

"He's hugely important and has been a really calming influence behind the scenes, his vast experience has really helped."