Eddie Howe explains how Newcastle have responded to Manchester United approach for Dan Ashworth

Eddie Howe insists it has been 'business as usual' for Newcastle United after sporting director Dan Ashworth was placed on gardening leave following Manchester United's approach for him.

Ashworth has been placed on gardening leave amid his desire to become the inaugural sporting director at United and the club officially made an approach to Newcastle this week.

Newcastle have touted a figure ranging between £10million and £20million for Ashworth, which has baffled figures at United, including new co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe.

It has also been suggested that Ashworth, who joined Newcastle from Brighton less than two years ago, could serve gardening leave until 2026, which new United co-owner Ratcliffe branded "absurd" and "stupid".

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Howe was quizzed on Ratcliffe's comments at his weekly press conference and refused to be drawn into a war of words with the new United investor.

“In these situations it’s about Newcastle from our perspective. Events this week have given us certainty, and we can look to the future," the Newcastle manager said.

"We need to reflect and move forward stronger than before. That has to be our aim. I can’t respond to (Ratcliffe’s comments). I am not involved in discussions so I will stay away.

"It is for other people to make those decisions, I’m not involved in that in any way, shape or form. I’m preparing the team to play Arsenal.”

Newcastle are not in a rush to find Ashworth’s successor and are prepared to head into the summer transfer window without a designated sporting director in place.

Howe insists the departure has not been a