Dan Ashworth is set to join Manchester United (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)

Newcastle United plan to appoint a new sporting director in the coming months, regardless of whether Dan Ashworth fulfills the full length of his gardening leave at the club.

The 52-year-old told the Magpies on Sunday that he wished to join Manchester United and would be placed on gardening leave.

Should the Red Devils fail to pay a significant compensation package, Ashworth will officially leave the club in early 2026.

Ashworth is the highest paid sporting director in the Premier League, and Newcastle are precariously close to reaching their Financial Fair Play limit.

Nevertheless, the Magpies are furious at Manchester United’s move for Ashworth and they’re willing to let him serve the duration of his gardening leave, as well as appointing his replacement.
According to thei, Brentford’s Phil Giles, former Roma director Tiago Pinto and ex-Spurs head of recruitment Paul Mitchell are all in the frame to replace Ashworth.

Ashworth has been placed on gardening leave (Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images)

Should United pay to extract Ashworth from his gardening leave, he could start work at Old Trafford this year.

Omar Berrada has already agreed to join the club from Manchester City as United’s new CEO.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS will then appoint a head of recruitment, who will report into Ashworth.

Sam Jewell, a previous target, has agree...