Sources: Newcastle United chief Dan Ashworth 'keen' on Man United move
Newcastle United transfer chief Dan Ashworth is the new top target for Man United's director of football role, sources have told Football Insider.
It is believed that the 52-year-old is attracted by the job and behind-the-scenes talks have taken place over a potential deal.
The interest in Ashworth comes as Newcastle probe into what went wrong over the summer arrival of Sandro Tonali, who was banned from football for the rest of the 2023-24 campaign in October.
Football Insider revealed last week (15 December) that an investigation is underway to determine why a deal for Tonali was completed without the background checks establishing the nature of his gambling addiction.
Ashworth only joined Newcastle in May 2022 after leaving Brighton months earlier - but a well-placed source has revealed that he would be "very keen" on taking the role at Old Trafford.
Man United are hard at work to recruit a new director of football as Sir Jim Ratcliffe prepares to buy 25% of the club and take control of footballing operations.
John Murtough is the current incumbent having taken the role in March 2021.
It was also announced last month that United chief executive Richard Arnold will be stepping down from his role after 16 years at the club.
These sweeping changes come as Ratcliffe aims to transform the Old Trafford club back into a force in world football.
Football Insider revealed last month (7 November) that the billionaire is planning to add two more clubs to his network within 12-24 months of his takeover - with OGC Nice and Lausanne already part of his INEOS Group.
Ashworth has overseen the arrivals of players like Alexander Isak, Anthony Gordon and Sven Botman during his time at St James' Park.
The Magpies returned to the Champions League for the first time in 20 years this season, following a fourth-place finish last term.