Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer has given a three-word verdict on his old club's reported demands for sporting director Dan Ashworth.
Manchester United are keen to bring 52-year-old Ashworth to Old Trafford as part of their boardroom improvements under Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the founder of INEOS. Ratcliffe, who recently appointed Omar Berrada as United's new CEO, is now thought to be interested in Ashworth, who has had successful stints at Brighton and St James' Park.
The Athletic claimed on Sunday evening that Ashworth was put on gardening leave by Newcastle after asking to leave the club. The Telegraph added that Newcastle are demanding £20m in compensation if United want Ashworth to start his new role early.
READ MORE: Ashworth 'asks to leave' Newcastle
READ MORE: I worked with Ashworth - this is how he will run United
If they do not receive this figure, the Reds may have to wait until 2026, when his gardening leave ends, to appoint Ashworth. Currently, the fee suggested by Newcastle as compensation is unheard of for a sporting director.
When Shearer found out about the proposed payout for Newcastle's chief, he expressed his surprise at the amount. Responding to a story a post from The Telegraph's Luke Edwards, he tweeted: "Is that all."
Ashworth, who is now with Newcastle, has played a key role in strengthening the Magpies following his appointment in 2022. Before arriving at St James' Park, the 52-year-old had built himself a good reputation in football.
At Brighton, he was partly responsible for some clever transfer dealings which allowed the Seagulls to climb up the ranks in the Premier League. His biggest success story was Moises Caicedo who was bought for £4m and sold a couple of years later for £115m.
S
Football
Sporting
athletics
CEO
UPS
reports
Parke
alan
Dan Ashworth
Luke Edwards
Jim Ratcliffe
Omar Berrada
Moises Caicedo