Alan Shearer makes Dan Ashworth to Manchester United prediction

Manchester United are keen to secure Dan Ashworth before the summer transfer window opens. Former Newcastle striker Alan Shearer believes it’s only a matter of time before the sporting director swaps St James’ Park for Old Trafford.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe has made a few appointments since becoming co-owner at Manchester United such as Sir David Brailsford, Jason Wilcox and Omar Berrada.

Despite identifying the sporting director they want at the club, United are having to negotiate a compensation package with Newcastle, if we are to secure the services of the highly-rated Dan Ashworth.

Newcastle are demanding £15m in compensation for Ashworth’s signature, as per The Times.

The two Premier League clubs have been in talks for a while now, with Ashworth placed on gardening leave at St James’ Park.

While talks are ongoing between United and Newcastle, Shearer believes an agreement will definitely be reached soon.

Speaking on the Rest is Football podcast, the Newcastle legend said: “He [Ratcliffe] is running the football operations so he’s made his intentions known.

“He’s got Jason Wilcox in there now from Southampton. He’s got [Dave] Brailsford in there. He will get Dan Ashworth in there. It’s only a matter of time. A deal will be done. Whether they have to pay what they wanted to, or not, a deal will be done with Newcastle.”

Newcastle fans will be bitterly disappointed to lose a figure like Ashworth at the club. That said, they can’t dwell forever. A new sporting director needs to be found to replace Ashworth.

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