Manchester United's interest in Dan Ashworth is progressing as the Magpies reportedly imposed a gardening leave on their sporting director.
Ashworth, who assumed his post in 2022, is on the radar of the Red Devils, who never found their groove to contend for the Premier League title this season.
The former Football Association technical director has done wonders for Newcastle in just 20 months in the office.
The club finished fourth in the table last season to secure a Champions League spot. This gave them their first appearance in European football since the 2003-2004 season when they finished fifth to earn a Europa League place.
Actions made by the Newcastle front office indicate he is ready to move on and answer the call from Manchester United to be their new sporting director.
Ashworth, 52, was put on gardening leave.
Dan Ashworth's gardening leave-what does it mean?
The textbook definition of gardening leave states it is the period wherein an employee who either gave or given his notice of resignation will be away from the workplace during the transition period.
Under the system typically used in the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand, the departing employee is not allowed to work for the competition.
This is implemented to prevent the employee from sabotaging his/her current company. The employee is also not allowed to enter the work premises, have access to confidential documents, or talk to workmates.
Club owner Eddie Howe's reaction to the piracy of Dan Ashworth
Magpies' Saudi Arabian billionaire owners are naturally unhappy with the latest development.
"We are naturally disappointed that Dan has chosen to leave, however our exciting journey doesn't stop and the process to recruit a new sporting director will begin immediately," Newcastle CEO Darren Eales said in a statement.
"We thank Dan for his efforts at Newcastle United and we wish him and his family well for the future."
They would not let him go that easy, though.
Reports said they placed a $25.1 million compensation for Ashworth.
However, Manchester United is unwilling to pay that amount and is ready to haggle with the Magpies to complete the transfer.
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe is also not pleased with Ashworth's possible departure. He is concerned that the sporting director knows the club's inner workings and that some intelligence might be leaked.
Howe still credited him for initiating a good transfer window that allowed them to sign key players.
"We're still working the same way that we were in the first transfer window," he said.
"Our recruitment has been very good, and I'm including the summer, because I think those deals will come good for the club in the long term. So that won't be affected."
Right now, Newcastle will need stability after sliding down in the Premier League table.
They are currently eighth in the Premier League table, 10 points away from a Europa League spot.
They won just two games of their last five (two draws) and conceded 11 goals in that span.
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