Manchester United and Newcastle in same boat as 'top target' rejects Dan Ashworth role

Manchester United and Newcastle United are both set to start the summer transfer window without a sporting director in place, as the Dan Ashworth saga continues for both clubs.

United are still working on a deal to bring Ashworth to the club as soon as possible, but he is currently on gardening leave at Newcastle after an official approach was made in February. As things stand, he will remain on gardening leave until the end of 2025 unless the two clubs can agree a suitable compensation package.

It is understood United believe a deal close to what Newcastle paid to release Ashworth from his previous contract at Brighton in 2022 would be fair, but the Magpies want to see a significant return on their investment should he join a rival club.

ManchesterWorld understand United are working on assumption he won’t be in for the summer window, though they are hoping to get him in as soon as possible.

The saga has taken a number of twists and turns in recent days, with The Telegraph reporting the 53-year-old will use his arbitration hearing to argue he was sacked by Newcastle, and therefore free to move to Old Trafford. Meanwhile, The Mail claim Ashworth accepted the role at United in a ‘secret exchange’ with incoming chief executive Omar Berrada via email before the club made a formal approach to Newcastle.

The latest twist is that Newcastle's top target to replace Ashworth, Dougie Freedman, has now turned down the North East club and signed a new deal to stay at Crystal Palace.

With the saga looking no closer to a resolution for both sides, it means United and Newcastle are now set to start the summer transfer window without an active sporting director in place. Berrada and Jason Wilcox will take charge of the club's recruitment drive this summer, while Newcastle head of recruitment Steve Nickson will do so for the Magpies.