Newcastle United told to ‘pay over the odds’ to seal deal after Dan Ashworth update – pundit
Noel Whelan has told Newcastle United to pay Brighton “over the odds” to secure the immediate appointment of Dan Ashworth.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted the Magpies need a director of football in as soon as possible.
As reported by the Athletic on Monday (4 April), discussions over Ashworth’s prospective move to Newcastle are still ongoing, with the senior figure still on gardening leave after resigning at Brighton.
The report claims the Seagulls are not totally money-orientated in negotiations.
Instead, club chiefs are reportedly aware of how significant Ashworth’s appointment would be for Newcastle.
Only a “truly compelling financial reason” would convince Brighton to allow the 51-year-old to join the Magpies.
Whelan insisted Newcastle should fork out whatever the south coast outfit are demanding.
Whelan told Football Insider’s Russell Edge: “Pay the money now. Whatever they’re asking for, you pay it because you’ve targeted him as your man.
“Like a player, sometimes you’ve got to pay over the odds a little bit when you want somebody badly and they’re going to be a fixture or a player that is going to make a difference.
“Clearly they believe that he’s going to make a difference and they want him in their infrastructure. So it’s worth paying now. Come summertime, when you’re going to be recruiting, you want to have a technical director of football.
“That is your key time, when you’re picking out transfers and working with the manager. You’re trying to build a team that’s going to be more competitive and not in a relegation battle next season.
“To me, it’s well worth paying whatever it is they’re asking to get your man. It’s no different to a player, if they’re that important to your infrastructure, you pay it.”
In other news, Newcastle United tipped to rocket up Premier League amid ‘£300m’ Danny Mills transfer claim.