Dan Ashworth replacement plan clear as latest Manchester United shake-up gathers pace

Manchester United are reportedly closing in on identifying their successor to Dan Ashworth - who left his role as sporting director amid shock circumstances in December.

Ashworth moved to United from Newcastle United in the summer after a compensation package worth £2million-£3million was negotiated. However, the move didn't work out and Ashworth's exit was announced following the 3-2 Premier League defeat to Nottingham Forest.

The arrival of Ashworth was part of Sir Jim Ratcliffe's revamp of the football operations, following Ineos' purchase of a minority stake. Omar Berrada arrived from Manchester City, to take over as CEO, Jason Wilcox was appointed as technical director and Christopher Vivell joined as interim director of recruitment.

Speculation has been building since Ashworth's exit over who Ratcliffe would replace him with. However, reports from The Daily Mail argue United believe they already have the man in-house to take over the responsibilities left by Ashworth.

It's understood a boardroom reshuffle within the Old Trafford hierarchy will see Wilcox's influence expand with him set to oversee matters. Discussions are thought to be held about appointing a new sporting director but the report explains how Berrada is expected to entrust and upgrade Wilcox - following Ratcliffe's approval.

Wilcox's updated role will see him work closely with Berrada and Ineos chief Sir Dave Brailsford in a three-person leadership team. The former Premier League winner has past experience as Academy director at City - as well as a director of football with Southampton.

Chief operating officer, Collette Roche, is expected to oversee logistics at Carrington to, in turn, enable Wilcox to commence his new responsibilities. There's also