Keith Downie has told Give Me Sport that Newcastle United’s board are happy to wait until November to get Dan Ashworth – rather than pay the £5million fee to get him out of his gardening leave from Brighton.
Ashworth has agreed to become Newcastle’s new sporting director – and in turn, has resigned from his position at Brighton. But the Seagulls are not going down without a fight, and he remains on the books at The Amex.
Indeed, it is because they have placed him on gardening leave. Reports emerged earlier this month stating that if Newcastle wanted to get Ashworth before gardening leave ends in November – it would cost £5m.
Now, Sky Sports reporter Downie has given an update on the situation. Having spoken to sources inside the club, the Toon journalist claims that Newcastle are happy to wait until November – rather than pay the fee.
“Newcastle are obviously keen to bring him in. The agreement is in place there,” Downie said. “Whether they will pay the £5million, it’s unlikely after speaking to those at the club. I think they’re quite content to wait.”
Downie on Ashworth: Why are Newcastle refusing to pay £5m fee?
It is a good question. Why are a club, backed by the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund, refusing to stump up what is pocket change to them? Financial Fairplay could come into it, but it is more a bargaining technique.
Brighton have only placed Ashworth on gardening leave until November with the hope that they can get some cash for him – given the summer is close. If Newcastle are happy to wait, Brighton will have to tempt the Toon.
It might mean that Brighton reduce the required compensation to get Ashworth out of gardening leave – saving Newcastle some room elsewhere in terms of FFP. It remains to be seen if a deal can be done.
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