Newcastle are being ‘held to ransom’ after Dan Ashworth twist – expert
Newcastle United won’t be “held to ransom” by Brighton amid an impasse over compensation for Dan Ashworth.
That’s according to former West Ham hitman Frank McAvennie, speaking exclusively to Football Insider amid a fresh twist in the Magpies’ bid to appoint the director.
As per The Times (29 March), Ashworth, 51, may not join up with Newcastle until November, meaning he will be unable to operate in the summer transfer window.
It is claimed the Magpies have been unable to agree a compensation fee with Brighton demanding “several million pounds”.
Ashworth resigned from his post at the Amex Stadium on 7 February and has been heavily linked with taking the director of football role at Newcastle.
McAvennie claims Newcastle are right to not pay “ridiculous money” to Brighton.
“It might not be the worst thing in the world for Newcastle,” McAvennie told Football Insider correspondent Ben Wild.
“Eddie Howe and the team who are already there did a pretty good job in January if you ask me.
“They clearly know what they are doing so they aren’t going to do really badly.
“But it sounds like Ashworth is the man they want. So if they really want him, why not pay the money?
“It’s all about how much this guy is worth to Newcastle. How badly do they want him?
“Maybe Brighton will lower their demands before the summer because then they will at least get something rather than nothing in six months.
“Newcastle have the money to pay whatever they demand but if it’s ridiculous money then they shouldn’t pay it.
“They can’t be held to ransom just because the money is there.”
In other news, pundit tips Newcastle to ‘easily’ sign Bruno Guimaraes ally in £33.9m deal.