Manchester United to crank up approach for Dan Ashworth and Newcastle fear departure for director of football

Manchester United are ready to step up their interest in Newcastle United's Dan Ashworth, talkSPORT understands.

The former Brighton transfer guru is Sir Jim Ratcliffe's top target to become their new sporting director.

Ratcliffe's 25 per cent stake in Man United has now been ratified by the Premier League, and he wants to appoint a head of recruitment to work with Ashworth at Old Trafford.

Newcastle are bracing themselves for his departure.

The Englishman joined Newcastle in 2022, but the Magpies are now braced for his departure from St James' Park.