Newcastle identify ‘top target’ to replace Dan Ashworth as Manchester United work on compensation deal

Newcastle United have identified a new top target in their search for a sporting director to replace Dan Ashworth.

Ashworth is currently on gardening leave at Newcastle after an official approach from Manchester United was made in February.

As things stand, Ashworth will remain on gardening leave until the end of 2025 unless United can agree a suitable compensation package with Newcastle to release him from his contract. 

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

Ashworth has threatened to take Newcastle to arbitration in an attempt to force through a move to Old Trafford if an agreement can not be found, with United increasingly resigned to not getting the 53-year-old into the club until after the summer transfer window has closed.

There could be some good news though, with Newcastle hoping to appoint a new sporting director before the summer. If that happens, then there is a believe they might be more willing to allow Ashworth to leave.

Shields Gazette say Phil Giles, Tiago Pinto and Paul Mitchell had all been heavily linked with the role but it is Dougie Freedman who is understood to be a top target for the role.

Freedman has been Palace’s sporting director since 2017 having previously spent time at the club as a player and manager. He has overseen some impressive signings during his time at Selhurst Park including a loan deal for Conor Gallagher and the permanent transfers of Marc Guehi, Michael Olise, Eberechi Eze and Joachim Andersen.