The Mail report Newcastle have been told that Brighton want £5million in compensation in order to lure Dan Ashworth to the club – and buy him out of his gardening leave, which lasts until November, following resignation.
Newcastle moved for Ashworth in February, with the 51-year-old agreeing to become the club’s technical director. But following his decision to resign at Brighton, the Seagulls put him on gardening leave until November.
If Newcastle are to buy him out of his gardening leave, Brighton want a huge £5million fee – £3million more than Everton paid Leicester for Steve Walsh. Newcastle are frustrated, unable to reach a compromise.
While £5million is not a huge to Newcastle, Ashworth could stay on gardening leave until November. Such an incident would see Newcastle miss out on having Ashworth in their first summer under the new board.
£5m for Ashworth: Newcastle have to got to pay Brighton
It is an astronomical fee for Ashworth – or any sporting director. But it shows how important it is becoming to have a transfer chief. Eddie Howe is said to be open to covering the role this summer, but he will be very busy.
Newcastle really need Ashworth; his contacts, his eye for good, value-for-money deals and his ability to pick out a diamond from the rough. Even if Newcastle agree a compromise that leans towards Brighton, then do it.
Even if it was in the region of between £3million and £4million, Newcastle really should consider it because Ashworth could oversee a massive summer of spending that changes the landscape of Newcastle for years.
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