Director was ‘leaning towards’ accepting Newcastle move, now Everton want him too

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Newcastle United have been pushing to lure Dan Ashworth away from Brighton and Hove Albion – but Everton are now keen too.

Newcastle have new owners, a new manager, new players… but they still haven’t found a director of football.

That is one of the key roles in modern football, and the lack of football knowledge inside Newcastle’s new hierarchy means a director of football is vital.

A number of candidates have been linked since Newcastle’s takeover, including Michael Emenalo and Ramon Planes.

The main name in the mix of late has been Dan Ashworth, with Newcastle chasing a deal for the Brighton man.

Brighton granted Newcastle permission to speak to Ashworth before Christmas, but he hasn’t arrived at St James’ Park yet.

Duncan Castles claimed in late December that Ashworth was ‘leaning towards’ taking the Newcastle job having been offered a basic salary of £2million plus bonuses.

Three weeks on, Newcastle haven’t finalised their move for Ashworth – and that means they could end up missing out on him.

90Min claim that Everton are now interested in landing Ashworth as they plot whether to try and hijack Newcastle.

Everton saw director of football Marcel Brands leave the club in December and may now chase a replacement.

With Rafael Benitez gone too, Everton may seek a whole new direction – and Ashworth would help provide that.

50-year-old Ashworth didn’t make much of an impact as a player, but has been excelling in off-field roles for a long time now.

Previously of Peterborough United and Cambridge United, Ashworth became West Bromwich Albion’s sporting director in 2007.

Come 2012, Ashworth had been snapped up by The FA and he has played a key role in England’s recent rise on the international stage.

Now with Brighton, Ashworth has helped take the Seagulls forward on and off the pitch, securing exciting talent both for now and the future.

Ashworth may not feel it’s time for another challenge, and Newcastle would absolutely present that – but so would Everton.

Newcastle will have the bigger budget, but come with the bigger risk given their perilous relegation battle.

Everton has been something of a poisoned chalice in recent times.

Steve Walsh and Marcel Brands were excellent at Leicester City and PSV Eindhoven respectively, but couldn’t make it work at Everton.

Sorting out this Everton squad without huge funds is a real challenge, and ultimately just as much of a risk for Ashworth.

The Magpies will still be favourites over Everton, but these reports will just serve as a warning to Newcastle over Ashworth’s future.