Dan Ashworth set to be named Newcastle United’s new director of football after leaving Brighton post

NEWCASTLE: Newcastle United look set to name Dan Ashworth as the club's new director of football, after the Brighton executive resigned from his post at the Amex Stadium.

On Monday morning the Seagulls confirmed that Ashworth had formally handed in his notice and while he works the as yet unspecified period has been placed on gardening leave.

The statement also confirmed that former Football Association chief Ashworth, lauded for his pioneering England DNA project while working with the governing body, would join a “rival” club. Arab News understands that club to be Newcastle United.

The Brighton statement read: “Dan Ashworth has resigned from his position as technical director to take a similar role at another Premier League club. In line with his contractual terms, Ashworth will now begin an extended period of gardening leave, after which he will be able to take up a new position elsewhere.

“He will continue to report to deputy chairman and chief executive Paul Barber for any duties required during his notice period but, as is standard procedure with such occurrences, he will not be expected to attend the club’s premises or matches after his handover is completed later this week.”

Newcastle's search for a director of football and chief executive, as revealed by Arab News, are set to come to a conclusion within weeks, according to club sources.

Both posts may yet be filled by the end of February.

Former Chelsea and Monaco football executive Michael Emenalo had been linked with the director of football role, while names such as Peter Kenyon, formerly of the Blues and Manchester United, have been ruled out of the running for the CEO job.

Speaking about Ashworth's exit, Albion's deputy chairman Paul Barber