Manchester United told to pay over £10m for Newcastle's Dan Ashworth as new sporting director

Manchester United face a fight to appoint Newcastle’s Dan Ashworth as their new sporting director.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe wants Ashworth to take on a leading role in the new era at Old Trafford after his deal to buy a 25 per cent stake in United was ratified on Monday.

Ashworth informed his Newcastle bosses yesterday that he has been approached by United.

But Newcastle are said to be confident they can demand a compensation fee of more than £10million.

Ashworth could also be placed on gardening leave before moving to Old Trafford.

The two clubs are expected to reach a formal agreement over Ashworth, who moved to Newcastle from Brighton in 2022.

The former FA technical director is a respected figure within football and would be a key appointment by Ratcliffe in his bid to transform United’s fortunes.

Ratcliffe wants to overhaul the transfer strategy at Old Trafford, which has come under scrutiny since Sir Alex Ferguson left the club in 2013.

United have already appointed Omar Berrada from Manchester City as their new chief executive, while Ineos' Jean-Claude Blanc and Sir David Brailsford have been given positions on the board. Ashworth has a close relationship with Brailsford.

Ratcliffe has taken over control of United’s football operations as part of his deal with the Glazer family.

Ashworth will lead an overhaul of the recruitment department to prepare United for the summer transfer window.

United are targeting a centre-back, a right-back, a midfielder and a second striker to play off Rasmus Hojlund, whose form has improved in recent weeks after a difficult start to life at Old Trafford following his £72 move from Atalanta last summer.

Hojlund has scored five goals in his last five games in all competitions, as United bid to challenge Tottenham and Aston Villa in the race for Champions League qualification.