Manchester United Hesitant on Newcastle's £20m Demand for Sporting Director Dan Ashworth

Manchester United’s pursuit of Newcastle United’s sporting director, Dan Ashworth, has hit a stumbling block as negotiations continue over the transfer fee. Sources close to Football Insider reveal that Manchester United is unwilling to meet Newcastle’s demand of £20 million for Ashworth’s services.

The saga began when Newcastle confirmed that Ashworth, 52, has been placed on gardening leave. This move signaled the Magpies’ willingness to entertain offers for their sporting director, prompting interest from Manchester United. However, negotiations have hit a snag due to the hefty price tag placed by Newcastle.

Despite Newcastle’s initial demand, Manchester United remains in talks with the club as they seek to find common ground on the transfer fee. The Tyneside club, under the leadership of CEO Darren Eales, is eager to kickstart the process of recruiting a new sporting director following Ashworth’s departure.

Ashworth, who is contracted with Newcastle until June 2026, is considered a valuable asset by the club, hence their insistence on a significant transfer fee. However, Manchester United’s reluctance to meet the £20 million valuation suggests that negotiations may be protracted.

The backdrop of Manchester United’s ongoing discussions with Newcastle comes amidst significant investment from Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS, who have assumed control of footballing operations at the club. This investment signals Manchester United‘s ambition to strengthen their squad and compete at the highest level.

Interestingly, Ashworth’s potential arrival at Manchester United could pose implications for current manager Erik ten Hag. Recent reports from Football Insider suggest that Ten Hag may not view the Dutchman as a long-term manager for the club, adding a layer of intrigue to the ongoing negotiations.

In parallel news, Manchester United is reportedly well-positioned to secure the signature of a Barcelona star, further highlighting the club’s intention to bolster their squad with top talent.

As negotiations between Manchester United and Newcastle continue, football fans eagerly await developments regarding Ashworth’s potential transfer and its implications for both clubs.