Fabrizio Romano claims talks are ongoing between Manchester United and Newcastle over sporting director

Manchester United and Newcastle remain in contact over Dan Ashworth, according to Fabrizio Romano.

As things stand, Ineos are refusing to compromise in their pursuit of Dan Ashworth, even if it means Manchester United enter the summer transfer window without a sporting director in place.

This also means that Newcastle will be unable to hire a new sporting director because Ashworth is currently on gardening leave at the club.

In an exclusive Daily Briefing column for CaughtOffside, Romano said: “Both Newcastle and Man United remain in contact over Dan Ashworth. Things aren’t quiet behind the scenes as the clubs are still negotiating. It’s an important deal, an important negotiation so let’s see what happens.

“We can’t predict the timing as it depends on the clubs but the discussions continue taking place. In any case, Man United have decided to go for Ashworth and their plan for him won’t change for sure.”

It is believed that if United are unsuccessful in their attempts to hire Ashworth before the summer, those responsibilities will be handed over to new chief executive Omar Berrada.

Ineos are planning for a big summer at Old Trafford but it sounds like Newcastle are trying to be difficult when it comes to handing over Ashworth. This should be a warning to other sporting directors that may attract interest from Newcastle in the future.

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