Newcastle United about to seal ‘big deal’ after crucial Dan Ashworth update – pundit
Newcastle United’s summer is about to get “even bigger” after an update on Dan Ashworth’s future.
That’s according to former West Ham hitman Frank McAvennie, speaking exclusively to Football Insider with Ashworth reportedly moving closer to joining the Magpies.
On Friday (27 May) The Athletic reported Newcastle have reopened talks with Brighton in a bid to get Ashworth into the club as soon as possible.
It is claimed significant progress has been made over a compensation fee which had previously been the sticking point for both sides.
The 51-year-old has been on gardening leave since resigning his post at Brighton in February.
“It’s a big deal for Newcastle, this,” McAvennie told Football Insider correspondent Ben Wild.
“I have been banging this drum for months. They need an experienced operator to guide them through this process.
“They got through January and that went well but that’s just the transfer side of it. Ashworth is going to oversee everything else.
“It kind of feels like Newcastle are waiting for Ashworth to come in so they can kick on off the pitch.
“This guy is seriously rated and I’m sure Brighton are gutted to lose him.
“If he comes in before the window opens, or just after it opens, then it will be huge for Newcastle.
“It’s going to be a big summer anyway, on the pitch certainly. Then you have all the work Ashworth will do behind the scenes so it’s going to be even bigger.”
Newcastle successfully navigated their first transfer window under new ownership, signing five players.
Kieran Tierney, Chris Wood, Bruno Guimaraes, Matt Targett and Dan Burn all arrived and played key roles as the Magpies avoided relegation.
In other news, Newcastle United have been tipped to agree an ‘incredible’ Lucas Paqueta transfer after a £50m update.