Newcastle United news: Pundit issues 'huge' Dan Ashworth claim after Ornstein update

Alan Hutton has claimed appointing Dan Ashworth as director of football would be "huge" for Newcastle United.

The former Scotland international, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted the former Brighton chief could be the "missing piece of the puzzle" for the Magpies.

As reported by the Athletic's David Ornstein on Monday (14 February), Newcastle and Brighton are still to agree a compensation package for Ashworth following his resignation last week.

The 50-year-old is currently on gardening leave and his prospective move to St James' Park could reportedly take some time

Hutton suggested Newcastle could pull off a coup by luring Ashworth to Tyneside.

Hutton told Football Insider's Russell Edge: "It's huge. Especially when you think that he was getting touted about by a lot of people thinking: 'Why are you not going to the likes of Manchester United? They are crying out for somebody like him.'

"For Newcastle to get him on board, especially with how you see them moving forward, they need somebody with that experience at the head of it, working it all and putting things into place.

"Newcastle are a little bit all over the place when it comes to that. I know they've had the takeover but you can't just go and fling your money here, there and everywhere and expect it to work out.

"You need top people in the big jobs. For him coming in, I think it's massive for them moving forward. This could be the real final piece of the puzzle to really kick them on. I'm really looking forward to seeing what he can do."

Ashworth took up his post as Brighton's technical director back in 2018.

He previously worked as the FA's technical director.

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