Newcastle United place Dan Ashworth on gardening leave amid Manchester United links

Ashworth has supposedly been identified as Sir Jim Ratcliffe's top target to fill the sporting director role at Old Trafford.

Ratcliffe is looking to overhaul Man United's football department after his 25% purchase of the club was recently approved by the Premier League and the Football Association.

There have already been changes behind the scenes following last month's appointment of Omar Berrada as Man United's new chief executive.

Newcastle boss Eddie Howe recently admitted that he hopes Ashworth's future will be resolved quickly amid uncertainty surrounding the 52-year-old's future.

The Magpies have now taken the decision to place Ashworth on gardening leave after he asked to leave the club on Sunday.

According to The Athletic, Newcastle have made it clear that they want £20m to part ways with their current sporting director.

As it stands, the Magpies will have to continue to pay Ashworth his full salary for the duration of his gardening leave if they are to prevent him from leaving St James' Park.

The report states that Man United are yet to make formal contact with Newcastle despite the news they have put Ashworth on gardening leave.

However, there is an expectation that Man United will step up their interest by making a formal approach in the near future.

Man United are believed to be willing to be patient in their quest to recruit Ashworth, with the Red Devils reluctant to pay a significant fee.

Ashworth has been employed with Newcastle since February 2022 after leaving his role as technical director at Brighton & Hove Albion.

During his time with the Seagulls, he developed a positive reputation for his work in player recruitment, which has helped Brighton become an established Premier League side.

Ashworth also previously as a technical director with West Bromwich Albion as well as the FA's director of elite development.