- EXCLUSIVE from Graeme Bailey
Manchester United are ‘hopeful’ of coming to an agreement with Newcastle United over their sporting director Dan Ashworth in the coming days, HITC understands.
Sources have confirmed to HITC that Manchester United have held talks with Premier League rivals Newcastle United over bringing Dan Ashworth to Old Trafford.
Dan Ashworth to move to Manchester United from Newcastle United
Earlier this week, HITC revealed that Ashworth had informed Newcastle that he wanted to move to Old Trafford after being persuaded to make the switch by his good friend Sir Dave Brailsford, who is overseeing the key hires within the ‘new’ footballing department at the Red Devils.
Manchester United made Ashworth their main target after weeks of assessing their options and now the deal could be announced next week.
Ashworth is then set to serve a period of gardening leave before officially starting his role at Old Trafford in the summer.
Manchester United are also pursuing Southampton’s director of football Jason Wilcox to work under Ashworth, as they want someone to be a ‘head of recruitment’ type figure.
The former Premier League and UEFA Champions League winners, who are keen on Chris Rigg as well, want their major appointments finalised before the end of February.
Manchester United aiming for top four
Erik ten Hag’s side are aiming to finish in the top four of the Premier League table this season.
The Red Devils are sixth in the league table now. They have picked up 41 points from 24 matches and are eight points behind fourth-placed Aston Villa.
Manchester United will take on Luton Town away from home at Kenilworth Road in the Premier League on Sunday.
Meanwhile, Newcastle find themselves seventh in the Premier League table with 37 points from 25 matches.
Eddie Howe’s side, who played in the group stage of the UEFA Champions League, are unlikely to end up in the top four this season.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
