Sources: Manchester United are now stepping up efforts to finalise key appointment, want deal in place by summer

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• EXCLUSIVE from Graeme Bailey

Manchester United have stepped up their talks with Premier League rivals Newcastle United over Dan Ashworth in the hope that they can finalise an agreement ahead of the summer transfer window, HITC understands.

Dan Ashworth was placed on gardening leave in February after confirming to Newcastle United that he wanted to join Manchester United and link up with new minority owners INEOS, who have pursued him via their sporting director Sir Dave Brailsford.

Ashworth is now on leave and technically could stay on gardening leave until January 2026, unless an agreement is made.

Manchester United stepping up Dan Ashworth move

HITC understands that talks have been ongoing, but now Manchester United are stepping up their efforts to try to finalise a deal.

Newcastle are demanding around £20 million to facilitate Ashworth’s move, but, as it stands Manchester United have been looking at less than half that.

HITC has been told that the Red Devils want a deal in place that will allow Ashworth to be behind his Old Trafford desk by the summer so that he can begin work alongside new chief executive Omar Berrada, who is arriving from Manchester City.

Newcastle United eye potential replacements

Newcastle are starting work on a potential replacement for Ashworth. HITC revealed in January that Phil Giles of Brentford is someone that the Magpies like.

Benfica’s Rui Pedro Braz and former AS Roma director Thiago Pinto are of interest to Newcastle as well. As it stands, the Premier League club have tasked head of recruitment Steve Nickson to push on with their summer plans.

Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United are sixth in the Premier League table with 47 points from 28 games and could still end up in the top four. As for Eddie Howe’s Newcastle, they are 10th with 40 points from 27 games.