‘Huge for Newcastle…’ - Pundit wowed by prospective 'big deal' at St James' Park this summer

Pundit Frank McAvennie has claimed that Newcastle United are set to undergo an ‘even bigger’ summer after an update on Dan Ashworth emerged.

On Friday, The Athletic reported that the Magpies have reopened talks with Brighton in a bid to come to an agreement over Ashworth, which would allow him to join the Tyneside club as soon as feasibly possible.

It is reported that there has been significant progress in the talks regarding a compensation fee, which was previously said to be an issue for both sides.

The 51-year-old has been on gardening leave since departing the Amex Stadium in February.

Speaking to Football Insider, McAvennie has raved about the significance of Newcastle’s prospective appointment of Ashworth.

The pundit and former West Ham striker claimed: “It’s a big deal for Newcastle, this.

“I have been banging this drum for months. They need an experienced operator to guide them through this process.

“They got through January and that went well but that’s just the transfer side of it. Ashworth is going to oversee everything else.

“It kind of feels like Newcastle are waiting for Ashworth to come in so they can kick on off the pitch. This guy is seriously rated and I’m sure Brighton are gutted to lose him.

“If he comes in before the window opens, or just after it opens, then it will be huge for Newcastle.

“It’s going to be a big summer anyway, on the pitch certainly. Then you have all the work Ashworth will do behind the scenes so it’s going to be even bigger.”

Despite a successful transfer window in January, it is expected that Ashworth will now oversee operations at St James’ Park from this summer onwards.

With a bid for European football likely to be the aim for next season, Newcastle will likely be looking to