Newcastle United have instructed their scouts to identify targets in every position ahead of a ‘major recruitment drive’ in the summer transfer window ideally led by Dan Ashworth.
That’s according to Chronicle Live, who report the Magpies remain in talks with Brighton & Hove Albion over Ashworth’s release. The Toon want to name the former England chief as their new technical director and task him with spearheading their extensive summer spend.
Ashworth has already resigned from his role at Brighton and has agreed to personal terms with Newcastle. But the Seagulls are yet to release the 50-year-old from his contract and placed him on gardening live whilst negotiating compensation with the Magpies hierarchy.
Newcastle must settle with Brighton before appointing Ashworth due to the terms of his contract at the Amex. He will then oversee the Toon’s transfer plans, along with managing their players out on loan and academy, plus their medical and sports science departments.
Ashworth had worked as Brighton’s technical director since February 2019 before resigning earlier this month to join Newcastle. He accepted the Seagulls’ offer the prior September to leave his role as England’s Director of Development after their World Cup semi-final run.
Newcastle already planning for summer transfer window amid Ashworth talks
Newcastle are already planning for the summer transfer window while talks continue with Brighton for Ashworth’s release. The Toon have instructed their scouts to start searching for potential targets in every possible position as they prepare for an extensive rebuild.
Eddie Howe spent big on mid-season deals in the recent January window as the Magpies flushed their new Saudi-backed funds. Chris Wood arrived from Burnley for £25m, while paying Atletico Madrid £12m for Kieran Trippier and Lyon £35m for Bruno Guimaraes.
Newcastle also added Dan Burn from Brighton for £13m but remain in the market for central defenders. The Mirror report Howe will return with a new bid for his top January target Sven Botman this summer after failing to land the £35m Lille star last month.
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