The Red Devils have been asked to stump up a massive sum (Picture: Getty)

Manchester United have no intention of caving in to Newcastle?s massive compensation demands for Dan Ashworth and are prepared to wait to get their man.

The 52-year-old has agreed a deal with the Red Devils and informed Newcastle he wanted to leave over the weekend, with the Magpies immediately putting him on gardening leave.

Ashworth?s notice period is believed to be as much as two years, meaning United risk not being able to appoint the former FA chief until 2026 ? unless they can reach a compromise with Newcastle.

But Newcastle, who are backed by Saudi Arabia?s Public Investment Fund, are reportedly demanding in excess of £20million in order to release Ashworth early.
That would be the highest figure ever paid for a sporting director, though the Toon feel it is a fair price given Ashworth?s profile, CV, intimate knowledge of the inner workings of the club and the fact they spent £5m to extract him from Brighton two years ago.

But The Independent are reporting that United have no intention of paying £20m and feel that figure is ?unrealistic?.

Instead, the club?s new minority owners Ineos ? who are overseeing the recruitment drive behind the scenes ? are prepared to wait.

Ashworth has been placed on gardening leave by Newcastle (Picture: Getty)

They feel Ashworth is the right man for the job and believe it is worth waiting a few months for the ideal candidate, rather than appointing someo...