Manchester United are still hopeful of securing Dan Ashworth as the club’s new sporting director before the summer transfer market begins, TEAMtalk understands.
The Old Trafford club is in negotiations with Newcastle regarding a deal that would allow Ashworth to join their Premier League rivals.
Negotiations have come to a halt, with Newcastle requesting a large compensation amount of over £20 million from Manchester United in order for Ashworth to bypass his notice term and join Old Trafford immediately.
However, Manchester United officials are hopeful of reaching an agreement with their Newcastle counterparts for roughly a £10 million compensation fee for the balance of his contract with Newcastle until 2025.
Newcastle are also looking to move on from Ashworth and strengthen their own preparations to bring in a successor ahead of the summer transfer market.
Manchester United made an official offer for Ashworth in February, when the former FA and Brighton manager was placed on gardening leave by Newcastle after informing the club of his intention to quit St James’ Park.
Ashworth is regarded as a major appointment by Sir Jim Ratcliffe following his acquisition in United, with the INEOS owner eager to overhaul the club’s recruitment process as they seek to reduce the gap on their opponents.
United have also approached Southampton’s director of football, Jason Wilcox, to become technical director at Old Trafford, working under Ashworth, who will have full responsibility of football operations.