Newcastle confirm Dan Ashworth exit following Manchester United approach

Dan Ashworth has been placed on gardening leave, according to Newcastle United, in response to an approach from Manchester United, a rival Premier League team.
The well-liked 52-year-old informed the Newcastle administration of his plan to depart from St. James’ Park this past weekend after reaching an agreement to become United’s first-ever sporting director; the two teams still need to work out a compensation plan, though.

Ashworth may have up to two years to serve out his notice period, and Newcastle is requesting more than £20 million to grant him an early departure.

As things stand, Newcastle is eager to move on and will now start looking for a replacement, but United are willing to wait to get their man and are unwilling to pay that much.

We have incredibly talented individuals in every department, so things would go quite well. The board has managed the football team incredibly well since they arrived.
“Dan allowed the existing structures to exist and survive, and we’re still operating the same way that we did during the first transfer window,” he continued [prior to Ashworth’s arrival].
“Our hiring process has been excellent. Thus, it won’t be impacted.