Revealed: Newcastle set HUGE asking price for Man Utd's top target

James Shearman

• Updated: 15 Feb 2024 19:53 GMT
• 3 min read

Newcastle have set Manchester United a huge asking price for sporting director Dan Ashworth.

Ashworth has been headhunted by the Red Devils' new minority part-owner Sir Jim Radcliffe.

Having already signed Omar Berrada as his new CEO, from local rivals Manchester City, the INEOS supremo is quickly making his mark at Old Trafford.

Now, Ashworth’s signing will excite Manchester United fans as his role will have an emphasis on transfer business.

However, before Ashworth can add top players to Erik ten Hag's squad, United need to agree a deal with Newcastle to bring him in first.

And, according to the Northern Echo, the Northeast club are looking for a fee of at least £10 million to allow that to happen.

But, if he is the man to sign the players that return Man Utd to the summit of English football, £10m is just a drop in the ocean.

What experience does Dan Ashworth have?

Ashworth enjoyed a short playing career, which included stints at Norwich City during his youth, followed by a period with non-league clubs Eastbourne Town, St. Leonards, and Wisbech Town. He retired from playing in 2000 but remained actively involved in football.

In 2000, he assumed the role of academy director at Peterborough United, followed by a stint as the centre of excellence director at Cambridge United from 2001 to 2004. He then transitioned to West Bromwich Albion, initially supporting youth team manager Aidy Boothroyd and eventually taking over as the youth team manager after his departure in 2004. His responsibilities expanded, leading to his promotion to the club's sporting and technical director in 2007.

In 2012, Ashworth got his big break, taking the position of FA director of elite development, contributing to the development of the 'England DNA' program. He was there for six years when in 2018, Ashworth resigned from his FA position and revealed his plans to assume the role of technical director at Brighton in 2019.

While at Brighton, Ashworth played a crucial role in overseeing successful transfers, including the acquisitions of the likes of Tariq Lamptey, Jakub Moder, and Marc Cucurella, who all succeded.

Newcastle appointed Ashworth as their sporting director in the summer of 2022 following months of speculation, and his recruitment has led them to one of their greatest eras in the Premier League.