Manchester United have made a formal offer for Newcastle United sporting director Dan Ashworth but are not willing to pay what they believe to be excessive compensation for his services, sources have told ESPN.
United have made Ashworth a top target in the overhaul of the football operations at Old Trafford being led by new minority shareholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
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Ashworth has already been placed on gardening leave by Newcastle after telling the club he wants to join United.
“We are naturally disappointed that Dan has chosen to leave, however our exciting journey doesn’t stop and the process to recruit a new sporting director will begin immediately,” Newcastle CEO Darren Eales said.
“We thank Dan for his efforts at Newcastle United and we wish him and his family well for the future.”
Newcastle believe they are well protected because of the 52-year-old’s contract situation at St James’ Park and, once an official approach is made, would be within their rights to demand a fee of more than £10 million ($12.6m).
Ashworth could be on gardening leave for as long as 20 months, although Newcastle would allow it to be cut short in an exchange for an additional payment. Reports have said Newcastle could demand a total fee of between £15m and £20m.
However, United, who have concerns about breaching profit and sustainability rules, are conscious that they would not want to help Newcastle fix their own financial difficulties while making their own worse.
