Ashworth will take on Newcastle to force through move to United
Sporting director poised for arbitration to resolve dispute Case could last weeks with clubs over £13m apart in talks
Dan Ashworth is set to take Newcastle United to arbitration in an attempt to force through a move to Manchester United as an increasingly acrimonious stand-off takes another twist.
The clubs remain at least £13 million apart in their negotiations over a compensation agreement for the sporting director. Ashworth, 53, has been on gardening leave since stepping down at Newcastle in February after informing the club he was interested in an Old Trafford move.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe, United’s influential minority shareholder, attempted to smooth a compensation deal with Newcastle director Amanda Staveley during talks this month. But, with discussions having hit deadlock, the case is now due to go to arbitration for a decision by a third party.
It is thought the case is likely to start next month and could last weeks. Telegraph Sport understands Newcastle, who are considering Crystal Palace sporting director Dougie Freedman as a replacement for Ashworth, feel they have a strong case. They have been demanding around £15million plus £5million in add-ons, far more than United have been willing to pay.
United have been proposing £2 million, similar to the fee Newcastle paid to prise Ashworth away from Brighton two years ago.
The Old Trafford hierarchy feel their approach for Ashworth is no different to the way Newcastle pursued the former Football Association technical director when he was at Brighton and have been surprised by the Tyneside club’s financial demands.
Privately, United, who are operating to a tight budget this summer, feel that the extra £10million-plus it might take solely to shorten Ashworth’s gardening leave would be better invested in playing talent.
Ratcliffe has been critical of Newcastle’s positioning and their determination to hold Ashworth to the full length of his gardening leave, which is thought to run until late next year, unless their demands are met in full.
Speaking in February, Ratcliffe, who has assumed control of football operations at United as part of his £1.3billion deal for a 27.7 per cent stake, said of Ashworth: “He’s interested in the job because it’s probably the biggest sporting director job in the world just now, with the biggest challenge. We’ve obviously had words with Newcastle. They would clearly be disappointed to lose Dan. But what I do think is completely absurd is suggesting a man who is really good at his job sits in his garden for 1½ years.”
Ratcliffe reiterated his frustration last Sunday. “We’ve got these new guys to come into the team, capable people, but they’re all on gardening leave,” he said. “So, it takes you six months, a year, 18 months before they can join. It’s a real issue in football.”