Newcastle sporting director Dan Ashworth reportedly wants to leave St James' Park for Manchester United.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS are trying to implement radical change behind the scenes at Old Trafford, having already poached Omar Berrada from Manchester City to be their CEO.
The Premier League approved Ratcliffe's 25 per cent buy-out on Tuesday and full ratification is expected next week with FA approval.
Ashworth, who used to work for Brighton, has emerged as their one and only target for the inaugural position as sporting director at Old Trafford.