Dan Ashworth has already told Manchester United how he'd uncover the next Kobbie Mainoo

Dan Ashworth says he is passionate about opening up pathways for young players which Manchester United could benefit from as they target the Newcastle United chief.

It is understood the Ineos Group, which now oversees football operations at United, is confident of luring Ashworth away from St James' Park. The club have not sounded out alternatives for the sporting director post, as he is their only target.

The former Brighton chief boast a reputable history of past successes in roles at the Football Association and West Bromwich Albion. At St James' Park, he has overseen the arrival of the likes of Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon.

He also had a significant role in ensuring the Magpies did not breach Financial Fair Play rules during the January transfer window. In a previous interview, the 52-year-old has also explained his passion for giving young players an opportunity.

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Ashworth signed notorious players while at Brighton, including Arsenal's Ben White, Robert Sanchez and West Brom's Jayson Molumby. Speaking to Training Ground Guru, he said: "Of all my roles, the one I’m most passionate about is opening up pathways for young players.

"Sometimes I've seen clubs work in silos and the Academy is working all hours god sends to try and develop players for the first team and the recruitment department is working all hours god sends to try and sign players. In that scenario the recruitment department might be busy looking at a right-back from overseas when there's one right under their noses in the Academy.

"From a Premier League point of view - and I have been guilty of this