Furious Newcastle set Dan Ashworth demands as Man Utd target leaves role

Last night saw a raft of updates on the Dan Ashworth saga after it was revealed that our sporting director asked to leave for Manchester United on Sunday.

The Telegraph report that Newcastle have now slapped an unprecedented £20m asking price on his head, with Toon chiefs adamant that he won't be allowed to start work at Old Trafford until 2026 if our demands aren't met.

Sky Sports and The Athletic's David Ornstein add that he's already been placed on 20-month gardening leave by the club, who have acted quickly after being informed that he wants to move, while The Times states that Newcastle are 'furious' with the nature of Man Utd's approach.

In that piece from The Times, Martin Hardy reveals that the club 'immediately blocked' any access Ashworth had to the club’s 'computer programmes and scouting reports.' However, Newcastle must continue to pay the 52-year-old in full during his period of gardening leave, which would stop him starting work in Manchester for another season and a half if no fee can be agreed.

A compromise could be found, but Newcastle have every right to demand big money for their top target and the man who was supposed to be spearheading this 'long-term project' at St James' Park. After all, it wasn't long ago Man Utd asked for a £16.5m package - including a £12m 'survival bonus' - for us to have Jesse Lingard on loan for six months!

It's a messy situation and clear Ashworth's time on Tyneside is over. Let's just see what Man Utd do next, as they could be facing a long wait for their top target should they refuse to come close to Newcastle's demands.