Dan Ashworth ‘set to take Newcastle to arbitration’ in bid to force through Man United move and end gardening leave, after Old Trafford club ‘rejected £20m compensation wanted by Magpies’

Dan Ashworth is reportedly set to take Newcastle to arbitration as he looks to push through a move to Manchester United. 

The 53-year-old was placed on gardening leave by the Magpies in February, after informing them that he wished to make the move to Old Trafford to take on the role of sporting director.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS have been making a host of signings behind the scenes, with Man City‘s Omar Berrada taking over as CEO this summer, while Jason Wilcox has already been brought in from Southampton as technical director.

Newcastle have placed a £20m valuation on Ashworth in terms of compensation, but the Red Devils reportedly rejected to meet that figure.

The Athletic report that Ashworth will be supported by Manchester United in an arbitration case which is expected to start in May and last a number of weeks.  

United have been unwilling to meet Newcastle’s £20m compensation demands for Ashworth

Ratcliffe essentially confirmed the Red Devils’ interest in February and said it was ‘absurd’ that he has been placed on gardening leave.

He said: ‘I think Dan Ashworth is clearly one of the top sporting directors in the world, I’ve no doubt.

‘He’s a very capable person. He’s interested in the Manchester United job because it’s probably the biggest sporting director job in the world just now, with the biggest challenge.

‘We’ve obviously had words with Newcastle. They would clearly be disappointed to lose Dan. But what I do think is completely absurd is suggesting a man who is really good at his job sits in his garden for one and a half years. That’s completely stupid.’

If Ashworth does make the move, latest United recruit Wilcox, will report to him as the current Magpie employee would take overall responsibility of football performance, recruitment and operations. 

Despite their reluctance to let Ashworth leave, Mail Sport reported that Crystal Palace chief Dougie Freedman is on the shortlist to replace him as sporting director at St James’ Park should he leave. 

Ashworth has been on gardening leave since telling Newcastle he wants to make the switch

It was also previously reported that Newcastle are content with letting head of recruitment Steve Nixon mastermind their transfer plans after placing Ashworth on gardening leave.

Berrada meanwhile is expected to take charge of negotiations for the Red Devils in the interim as they look to land Ashworth.