Manchester United are keen to appoint Newcastle United's Dan Ashworth as their new sporting director, but the transfer could cost them around £10m to complete, according to a report.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe is eager for Ashworth to assume a prominent position in the new era at Old Trafford following the approval of his agreement to purchase a 25% stake in Manchester United this week.
Sir Dave Brailsford, a key associate of Ratcliffe, has already been conducting an assessment of the club, and Omar Berrada, previously with the City Football Group, has been appointed as Man United's new CEO following Richard Arnold's departure.
A move to Old Trafford would conclude Ashworth's tenure of less than two years on Tyneside following his move from Brighton & Hove Albion.
According to a report from the Newcastle Chronicle, in order for a deal to be done, the Red Devils would need to pay a seven-figure compensation fee to acquire the services of the 52-year-old from Newcastle.
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A separate report from the Evening Standard suggests that Ashworth has informed the Newcastle board that Man United have made an approach for his services this week.
Ashworth's contract is believed to include a 12-month gardening leave clause, which Newcastle will likely enforce unless Man United can negotiate a compensation agreement.
During his early days at Newcastle, Ashworth enlisted the help of Brailsford during pre-season and praised his assistance, stating: "I've known Sir Dave for a number of years, working across various different sports, and he is without a doubt the best in world sport at creating a high-performance culture and turning that into winning."
"There were some brilliant messages for us all and it was great to get him in at this point of pre-season."
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It is understood that Ashworth has maintained a close relationship with Brailsford since then and is expected to spearhead the overhaul of the side's recruitment department ahead of the summer window if he makes the switch to Old Trafford.
Erik ten Hag's team have already been eliminated from the Champions League and exited the EFL Cup in November after a defeat to Newcastle.
They currently hold a one-place and five-point advantage over the Magpies in the race for European qualification this season.
United are said to have placed the acquisition of a centre-back, right-back, midfielder and a second striker to complement Rasmus Hojlund at the top of their priority list for the next transfer window.
The Red Devils will resume Premier League duty this weekend when they head to Kenilworth Road to face Luton Town on Sunday afternoon.
Devesh Jaganath
