Ashworth deleted email revealing secret United talks

DAN ASHWORTH tried to cover his tracks by deleting an email he sent to his Newcastle account revealing secret talks with Manchester United — and then claimed comments by manager Eddie Howe had made his position untenable.

Mail Sport reported yesterday that Newcastle’s sporting director had sent an email in February to Omar Berrada, the incoming chief executive at Manchester United, in which he made it clear he wanted to accept the offer of the same role at Old Trafford.

However, Ashworth sent a blind copy to his Newcastle email address before apparently realising the error and deleting the evidence. At this stage, United had not approached Newcastle and Ashworth had not informed his employers of the talks.

The subsequent discovery of the email by the club is embarrassing for Ashworth and Berrada, who was still on gardening leave from Manchester City. It could lead to a Premier League probe if a complaint is made.

In a further twist, we understand Ashworth then claimed comments made by Howe had made his position untenable. However, this was in relation to comments Howe made on February 16 — one week after Ashworth’s secret exchange with Berrada.

The story had broken about Ashworth being ready to defect to United and Howe was asked for his thoughts. He agreed it was a concern that Ashworth still had access to Newcastle’s transfer plans and financial information and called for a swift resolution to the situation.

Ashworth believed this left him unable to work for the club. In reality, he had already accepted an offer from United.

On February 18, Ashworth informed Newcastle of his wish to join United and was placed on gardening leave, which United co-owner Jim Ratcliffe has suggested expires towards the end of 2025.

Newcastle are waiting for an acceptable offer to release him early. It has since been reported that Ashworth is set to take Newcastle to arbitration in an effort to force the move, and a report in the Daily Telegraph yesterday said he will argue he was sacked by the club.

The report states Ashworth believes ‘he was not asked to formally write down his resignation by chief executive Darren Eales and should not have been placed on gardening leave until he did so.

‘He will therefore argue he was removed from his position rather than asking to step down’.

Ashworth, Newcastle and United have not commented when approached by Mail Sport.

Meanwhile, Newcastle are closing in on a deal to sign Fulham defender Tosin Adarabioyo on a free transfer. Mail Sport understands the framework of the deal is in place after progress this week and the move should be concluded in the coming days.

Adarabioyo, 26, will become Newcastle’s first confirmed arrival of the summer window. He is said to be excited about playing under Howe having been enthused by the project presented to him.

Adarabioyo would be a likely starter next season given the long-term knee injuries suffered by centre backs Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles.

Newcastle are also hopeful of concluding a deal for Bournemouth defender Lloyd Kelly on a free transfer and are tracking Crystal Palace winger Michael Olise and Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale.