'Done deal' - Alan Shearer makes Man Utd signing claim after Sir Jim Ratcliffe guarantee

Alan Shearer believes it's 'only a matter of time' before Dan Ashworth swaps St James' Park for Old Trafford. The Newcastle transfer chief continues to be heavily linked with a move to Manchester United as Sir Jim Ratcliffe looks to bolster the Red Devils' backroom staff.

The British billionaire has already brought in the likes of Sir David Brailsford, Jason Wilcox and Omar Berrada, among others too. With the summer transfer window fast approaching, Ratcliffe has been determined to appoint a sporting director.

But, the INEOS chief's plan hasn't quite worked out; Newcastle are demanding a £15million compensation package in return for Ashworth's signature, according to The Times. The two Premier League clubs have been in a stalemate for a while now, with the 53-year-old placed on gardening leave.

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While a resolution hasn't been found yet, Shearer believes an agreement will definitely be reached soon. Speaking on the Rest is Football podcast, the Newcastle legend said: "He (Ratcliffe) is running the football operations so he's made his intentions known.

"He's got Jason Wilcox in there now from Southampton. He's got [Dave] Brailsford in there. He will get Dan Ashworth in there. It's only a matter of time. A deal will be done. Whether they have to pay what they wanted to, or not, a deal will be done with Newcastle."

In February, Paul Merson warned Ashworth, who only joined the Magpies from Brighton in May 2022, he might struggle to enjoy as much success at Old Trafford as he has done at St James' Park. Speaking on