- Man United are reportedly targeting a move for Newcastle boss Dan Ashworth
- If he leaves, the Magpies will have to bring their own replacement
- Do Man United have what it takes to exploit Liverpool’s defensive vulnerability? It all starts
Manchester United have been given a boost in their search for Newcastle’s transfer chief Dan Ashworth as the Magpies themselves step up their efforts to bring Bournemouth’s Richard Hughes to the club, reports suggest.
Ashworth, 52, is one of the favorites to take on the role of sporting director at Manchester, meaning Newcastle will have to find their own replacement.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s expected investment in Man United is aimed at the British billionaire and his team taking sporting control of the club.
Ashworth is among the names at the top of the club’s shortlist for the proposed executive role and could also be joined at Old Trafford by another, as reported by The sun.
United’s current boardroom does not have a sporting director, a decision that has been heavily criticized at a time when the club’s recent recruitment has come under scrutiny.
Manchester United have reportedly received a boost in their search for Newcastle transfer chief Dan Ashworth (left).
Sir Jim Ratcliffe is expected to make changes to United’s sporting boardroom once his investment in the club is confirmed
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Ashworth previously joined Newcastle after leaving Brighton in June last year.
His departure from the AMEX saw him given gardening leave for an extended period while Newcastle negotiated his first move to St James’ Park.
Ratcliffe is expected to bring in members of his own INEOS sports team, including former Team SKY and Team GB cycling chief Sir Dave Brailsford, when his 25 percent purchase of United is confirmed.
The 71-year-old will buy shares of the 13-time Premier League champions on the New York Stock Exchange, while also acquiring further shares from the owning Glazer family.
Recruitment under current Man United manager Erik ten Hag has been heavily criticised
Meanwhile, Newcastle are believed to be admirers of Bournemouth’s current transfer chief, Hughes, who previously worked with manager Eddie Howe during his previous spell as manager at Bournemouth.
The Tyneside outfit are expected to step up their recruitment efforts in future transfer windows given their Saudi Arabia-backed fortunes, while impressive performances on the field will also bring in even more prize money.
Newcastle competed in the Champions League again this season, but crashed out of the group stage earlier this week after losing to AC Milan.
The Magpies beat Fulham 3-0 on Saturday to leapfrog Man United into sixth place in the Premier League ahead of their trip to league leaders Liverpool on Sunday.
