Dan Ashworth immediate Premier League return route emerges after Manchester United exit

Dan Ashworth could make an immediate return as a sporting director in the Premier League with Everton according to reports just days on from his Manchester United exit.

Ineos' vision to create a structured Man United behind the scenes took a blow last week as the club's inaugural sporting director stepped away from his post. The announcement came just two weeks after Ruben Amorim's debut as manager - an appointment MEN Sport understands Ashworth did not support with Gareth Southgate his preferred choice.

Newcastle United were paid between £2-3m for the acquisition of the 53-year-old. It was a long and arduous process which saw the Tyneside club place him on gardening leave, now Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Old Trafford decision-makers have been sent back to the drawing board.

READ MORE: United start to see progress off the pitch

READ MORE: United urged to sign Premier League star to help Ruben Amorim fix problem area

As for Ashworth, he will be free to choose when and where his career goes, so long as offers arrive. In that regard, talkSPORT claim English top-flight rivals Everton could present him his next opportunity.

The Merseyside club are in the midst of finalising a takeover which will see current owner Farhad Moshiri hand his 94.1 percent share of the club to The Friedkin Group (TFG). Latest word on that offers hope of completion before Christmas.

And it is apparently the intention of Dan Friedkin - head of the multibillion group that also hold a controlling stake in AS Roma - to want to bring in his own people. He is said to be a big fan of Ashworth, who therefore could replace current sporting director Kevin Thelwell.

The now ex-Man United director has also been linked with the vacant Arsenal job as he worked with the Gunners' managing director Richard Garlick at West Brom.

However, talkSPORT shut down this suggestion by saying current interim Jason Ayto could easily step into the position at the Emirates Stadium, or Roberto Olabe of Real Sociedad could become a priority target instead.