Manchester United are unwilling to pay £20 million to bring Dan Ashworth to Old Trafford (Getty)
Manchester United are willing to wait for Dan Ashworth until after the summer transfer window, according to reports.
Ashworth has now been placed on gardening leave by Newcastle United after the 52-year-old informed the club’s hierarchy of his intention to leave St James’ Park having agreed a deal to become United’s first-ever sporting director.
Newcastle, however, are standing firm over Ashworth’s availability and are demanding a £20 million compensation fee from United.
It’s understood that United are unwilling to meet Newcastle’s asking price and are ready to negotiate a lower fee for Ashworth.
According to MailOnline, United’s preference is to complete a deal for Ashworth as quickly as possible, however, the club are prepared to navigate the summer transfer window without him.
Dan Ashworth has now been placed on gardening leave by Newcastle United (Getty)
The report adds that Ashworth will be regarded as United’s ‘football chief’, who will be responsible for player recruitment and performance.
Ashworth was the Football Association’s director of elite development from 2012 until 2018 before his impressive stint as Brighton’s technical director.
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During his time at Brighton, Ashworth oversaw several key signings including Alexis Mac Allister, Moises Caicedo and Kaoru Mitoma.
Ashworth moved to Newcastle in February 2022 and is now on course to join United’s new-look hierarchy two years later.
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