Manchester United will have to bide their time or pay big compensation if they are determined to appoint Dan Ashworth as sporting director, because he has a 12-month notice period in his contract at Newcastle.
The 52-year-old is happy at St James’ Park and Newcastle are confident of retaining him, but a formal offer from United would test the resolve of both parties.
Ashworth spent four months on gardening leave after leaving Brighton last year before joining Newcastle, as it took the clubs some time to agree a £5million compensation package.