Dan Ashworth has accepted an offer from Man Utd (Picture: Getty)
Manchester United are reportedly plotting a way to avoid paying significant compensation to Newcastle United to poach Dan Ashworth.
The 52-year-old has accepted an offer to become the first-ever sporting director at Old Trafford.
He was identified by INEOS and Sir Jim Ratcliffe as the best candidate in the country for the role.
The Red Devils still need to reach an agreement with Newcastle, though, and it was thought they would be made to pay significant compensation.
But according to the Daily Mail, United are now prepared to wait for Ashworth to complete a period of gardening leave.
That would allow United to avoid paying ‘excessive’ compensation, although they still hope a compromise will be reached with Newcastle.
Ashworth is already thinking about his potential plans for United and wants to raid old club Brighton in one of his first moves as sporting director.
Dan Ashworth wants to raid his old club Brighton (Picture: Getty)
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His early plans could be scuppered before he has even started the job, though, after Chelsea made a pre-emptive move for one of his top targets.
The role would likely see Wilcox oversee the academy, given his work at the Etihad.
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