Newcastle United have reopened talks with Brighton & Hove Albion over a move for their technical director Dan Ashworth, according to a report.
The 51-year-old had held talks over a move to St James' Park back in January, before resigning from his position with the Seagulls in February.
However, the former FA technical director was placed on gardening leave by Brighton rather than leaving the club immediately, whilst David Weir was promoted as the club's acting technical director.
A move for Ashworth is now back on according to The Athletic, who are reporting that Newcastle are determined to appoint their man before the start of the 2022-23 Premier League campaign.
The report suggests that a move is close, with a compensation fee between the two clubs close to being agreed ahead of a move to Tyneside this summer.
Following their Saudi-backed takeover towards the end of 2021, Newcastle immediately underwent a reshuffle of the club's hierarchy, with the focus being turned to the appointment of a sporting director and chief executive.
Seven months on from the takeover, neither have been achieved as of yet, and as a result, manager Eddie Howe has been left in full control of transfers whilst a move for Ashworth stalled.
After impressing in numerous roles at West Bromwich Albion during a lengthy stay in the Premier League, the 51-year-old was poached by the FA to work as technical director, and once again was seen as an exceptional performer in his role before moving to Brighton in September 2018.
Matthew Tranter
