Brighton sack academy director linked with Newcastle United and Dan Ashworth reunion

Brighton have sacked academy director John Morling, according to The Daily Mail.

Reports circulated last week that Morling - who had spent almost a decade at the Seagulls - was on Newcastle’s radar as the owners look to improve the club’s youth setup.

His appointment would likely be the third arrival from the south coast, with centre-back Dan Burn joining in January and Dan Ashworth widely tipped to become the new sporting director.

Ashworth is one of the most highly-rated in his position and a reunion with his former colleague on Tyneside seemed like the next logical step.

An email sent by Brighton chief executive Paul Barber to club staff confirmed that Morling had left the club with immediate effect.

The dismissal reportedly comes following a breach of strict Covid protocols relating to an academy player who received a positive test on a match day.

The youngster’s family is believed to have lodged an official complaint to the FA and, following an internal investigation by Brighton, they have decided to terminate Morling’s contract.

It is unclear whether this situation affects any potential move to Newcastle, who are desperate to bolster their infrastructure ahead of the summer transfer window.