Manchester United have reached an agreement with Newcastle to appoint Dan Ashworth as their new sporting director, it has been announced.
The agreement will see Ashworth start his new role at Old Trafford with immediate effect.
Newcastle and Man United finally settled on a compensation package after four months of negotiations to help Newcastle comply with Premier League Profit and Sustainability rules.
A joint statement from the two clubs read: “Newcastle and Manchester United have reached an agreement for the immediate release of Dan Ashworth from his contractual obligations at Newcastle United.
“The terms of this agreement will remain confidential between the clubs. Newcastle thanks Dan for his service and wishes him well for the future.”
Ashworth had been in gardening leave after he told Newcastle that he wished to pursue the opportunity with Man United.
The two clubs were locked in negotiations over a compensation package, with Newcastle understood to be demanding up to £20million in order to rip up his deal at St James’ Park.
With no deal agreed, the case was set to be decided by the court of arbitration, however it now seems that the clubs have found a solution.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe is keen to bring Ashworth to Old Trafford as sporting director where he’ll join Jason Wilcox, who arrived as technical director in April.
Ashworth will get to work as he teams up with Erik ten Hag to strengthen Man United’s squad ahead of the new season.
The Dutch boss is widely expected to pen a new contract at Old Trafford, with summer additions top of the priority list ahead of the new campaign.
Despite winning the FA Cup, Man United finished eighth in the Premier League, a position that they’ll be keen to improve on.
The Red Devils will start the new season with a home clash against Fulham on Friday, August 16.